Visualizing Glacier Loss – Case of Study: Rhône Glacier
“A Journey Through Time and Climate Change”
What it is about
Our project is an interactive storytelling that highlights the impact of climate change on the Rhone Glacier, designed to be easily understood by both experts and the general public. We used various visual elements, including satellite images, historical images, maps, and a 3D model, to simplify the information and enhance accessibility. The goal is to effectively convey the message and create an emotional impact on users, fostering a deeper connection to the issue.
How we built it
We gathered information from Swiss agencies that documented inventories of the Rhône Glacier. Additionally, we downloaded Sentinel-2 images from July and August, creating composites to address gaps caused by cloud masking. Animations based on the results allowed us to visualize the glacier's variation over time more effectively. The 3D model enhanced the visualization, providing a tangible and interactive representation of the glacier's retreat. This workflow combined spatial analysis, data processing, and visualization techniques to gain deeper insights.
Challenges we ran into
The main challenge was the diverse glacier data, as inventories were created using different techniques, making interpretation more complex. Some data showed glacier expansion, conflicting with the hypothesis of consistent retreat, but it highlighted glaciers' sensitivity to annual climate variations. Additionally, we had to learn 3D modeling, web development, and collaboration tools from scratch.
What we're proud of
The topic emerged from our shared interest in glaciers, their significance, and their current state. The webpage we created for Rhone Glacier highlights and illustrates its retreat over time. We are proud that our story resonates with readers, leaving a meaningful and lasting impression, particularly through our emphasis on visual content.
What we learned
We gained experience with collaborative tools like GitKraken, web languages (HTML, JavaScript, CSS), and Blender for 3D modeling. We improved project structuring, time management, and reinforced our skills in ArcGIS StoryMaps for interactive geographic storytelling.
What's next
One future goal is to create a predictive model for the Rhône Glacier's reduction by 2050, requiring more detailed data and on-site measurements. We aim to incorporate deep learning techniques, enhancing interactivity and helping users deepen their understanding of the issue. In addition, we’re interested in exploring how glacier melt will affect the local flora and fauna, offering a broader perspective on its environmental impact.
Sources
GLAMOS. (2024). Mass balance Rhône Glacier 2007 - 2024. Retrieved from https://www.glamos.ch/#/B43-03
Harvey, C. (2018, March 7). Every year, the Swiss cover their melting glaciers in white blankets. Live Science. Retrieved from https://www.livescience.com/61951-swiss-glacier-blanket.html
National Geographic Society. (2018, March 14). Switzerland protects the Alps with a blanket. National Geographic Education Blog. Retrieved from https://blog.education.nationalgeographic.org/2018/03/14/switzerland-protects-the-alps-with-a-blanket/
Noetzli, J., et al. (2024). Enhanced warming of European mountain permafrost in the early 21st century. Nature Communications, 15, Article 54831. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-54831-9
National Geographic Society. (2018, March 14). Switzerland protects the Alps with a blanket. National Geographic Education Blog. Retrieved from https://blog.education.nationalgeographic.org/2018/03/14/switzerland-protects-the-alps-with-a-blanket/
Noetzli, J., et al. (2024). Enhanced warming of European mountain permafrost in the early 21st century. Nature Communications, 15, Article 54831. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-54831-9
Students
Lesly Bautista Buendia
and Paula Martín Castillo
14th intake
Supervisor
Juliane Cron, M.Sc.
Keywords
Rhône Glacier, climate change, glacier retreat, 3D model, climate awareness