Obergurgl—28th August to 7th September 1955

Fifty-five scientists and glaciologists from Germany, Austria and other countries met this year at the Bundessportheim (Alpine Forschungstelle) Obergurgl. Previous Courses had been held at the Berliner Hütte, Zillertal in 1951 and at the Gepatschhaus in the Kaunser Tal in 1953. The Course consisted of glaciological, geodetic, meteorological and geographical research. Instruction classes were also held at the four glaciers of the upper Gurgl valley. Scientific discussions and lectures took place in the very modern lecture rooms of the Bundessportheim.

The right admixture of good and bad weather facilitated both parts of the programme. The investigations reached as far afield as the highest firn basins, where measurements of the accumulation, including snow density, were made (4 m. of firn of this year at 3100 m.). Further work consisted of the study of ablation in the lower parts of the glaciers, precision measurements of ice velocity on the surface and 20 m. below in glacier mills ; ice soundings for determining the glacier depths were also made. The retreat of the glaciers continues below the snow line and is very pronounced at the ends of the glacier tongues. Stereo-photogrammetric surveys were made to fix the actual surface levels of the glaciers.

Discussions and lectures also dealt with the various problems of the glaciers in the neighbourhood. Their moraines were investigated and gravel-research was carried out similar to those made on the glaciers of Central Asia, the Himalayas, Karakoram, Peruvian Andes and the Cascade Range in the U.S.A. by recent expeditions.

A report by Dr. Zingg, Davos, about snow and avalanche research in Switzerland was of great interest, as also was one by Professor Bauer, Strasbourg, dealing with the very valuable work performed by the E.P.F. in Greenland. The plan for an international expedition to Greenland in 1957 was discussed.

Three British members of our party had proposed to take part in the Course but were unavoidably prevented at the last moment.

The Course was led by the undersigned and supported by the Deutscher Alpenverein and the Bayrisches Kulturministerium.