A Correction
A communication has been received from Professor P.-L. Mercanton explaining that, through an unfortunate combination of circumstances, an important item was omitted from his calculation of the areas of the Swiss glaciers. This would make his figure 1520 km.2 instead of 1384 km.2 as stated in his note in this Journal, Vol. 2, No. 15, p. 315–16.
On the other hand the Service Fédéral des Eaux has recently obtained a value of 1556 km.2. This estimate (36 km.2 more than the amended figure of Professor Mercanton with the assistance of the map of the Service Topographique Fédéral) was based on surveys in parts of about 300 areas, whereas Professor Mercanton’s estimate was based on some 600.
Professor Mercanton is inclined to adopt a mean value of 1545 km.2. Greater precision in so difficult an assessment seems of doubtful value and it is more convenient to adopt a single value for glaciological and geographical purposes.
