What is Franz Josef Glacier famous for?
What is Franz Josef Glacier famous for?
NEW ZEALAND’S MOST SPECTACULAR GLACIER Franz Josef Glacier (Kā Roimata ō Hine Hukatere) is the steepest guided glacier amongst the country, descending from its origins high in the Southern Alps deep into the lush native rainforest of Westland’s National Park.
Why is Franz Josef Glacier called that?
In 1865 German geologist/explorer/museum founder Julius Von Haast decided to name the glacier after the Emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Franz Josef I. The local village later took its name from the glacier. Haast also registered the name Fox Glacier, in honour of Sir William Fox, the New Zealand Premier.
How old is the Franz Josef Glacier?
approximately 7000 years old
The Franz Josef Glacier is approximately 7000 years old, and a remnant of a much older and larger glacier which was originally swept right to the sea. Today it is 12 kilometres long, from the high snowfields of the Southern Alps.
How tall is the Franz Josef Glacier?
3000 metres
Franz Josef Glacier is currently retreating. In the past 8 years the Glacier has retreated around 800 metres making it just under 11km long. The Glacier is also 3000 metres in height.
How thick is the Franz Josef Glacier?
300 metres
Franz Josef Glacier
| Franz Josef Glacier / Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere | |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 43°28′01″S 170°11′30″ECoordinates: 43°28′01″S 170°11′30″E |
| Length | 10.5 km (6.5 mi) |
| Thickness | Up to 300 metres (980 ft) thick |
| Status | Retreating |
Can you climb Franz Josef Glacier?
Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast The track becomes more challenging when it reaches the rocky riverbed, so suitable footwear is required. The hike finishes with a short climb to the viewing area, where you can see the icy wonderlands about 750m away.
When was Franz Josef Glacier discovered?
Franz Josef Glacier (Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere) was explored by local iwi and in 1865 by geologist Julius von Haast, who named it after the Austrian emperor.
What type of glacier is the Franz Josef?
temperate maritime glacier
The Franz Josef Glacier / Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere is a 12-kilometre-long (7.5 mi) temperate maritime glacier in Westland Tai Poutini National Park on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island.
Is Franz Josef Glacier receding?
Any visitor returning to Franz Josef glacier this year, after 10 years, would notice a stark distance. Since 2008, it has been retreating rapidly and lost a massive 1.56km in length, at the fastest rate ever recorded. Fox has gone a similar way, losing 900m in the decade to 2018.
