Southern Patagonian Ice Field

Perito Moreno Glacier, El Calafate, Argentina

The Southern Patagonian Ice Fields are a vast expanse of ice that cover an area of approximately 16,800 square kilometers (6,485 square miles) in the southern region of Patagonia, which straddles the border between Argentina and Chile.

The ice fields are made up of numerous glaciers, some of which are among the largest in the world outside of the polar regions. These include the Upsala Glacier, which is over 800 square kilometers (310 square miles) in size, and the Perito Moreno Glacier, which is over 250 square kilometers (97 square miles) in size.

The ice fields are fed by the vast amounts of snow that falls in the Andes Mountains, which form a natural barrier between the Pacific Ocean and the rest of South America. As the snow accumulates over time, it compresses and turns into ice, which then begins to flow downhill towards the coast, carving out valleys and creating spectacular ice formations along the way.

Perito Moreno Glacier, El Calafate, Argentina

The Southern Patagonian Ice Fields are also home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including guanacos, foxes, condors, and pumas. The glaciers and ice formations also provide important habitats for a variety of aquatic species, including fish and birds.

Despite their remote location and harsh climate, the ice fields have become a popular tourist destination in recent years, with visitors flocking to see the spectacular scenery and take part in activities such as ice trekking and glacier hiking. However, the ice fields are also vulnerable to climate change, and there are concerns that rising temperatures could cause them to shrink or disappear entirely in the coming decades.