Nature
2019.06.27 12:10 GMT+8

Dagu Glacier: Young and stunning

Updated 2019.06.27 12:10 GMT+8
CGTN

Heishui County in China's Sichuan Province hides a beautiful masterpiece created by nature. The rarely seen Dagu Glacier, located in the Dagu Glacier Park, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. 

Dagu Glacier on Dagu Mountain. /VCG Photo

A glacier is formed when snow remains in the same area year-round, and enough layers accumulate and compress to transform the powdery snow into a solid block of ice.

There are 13 modern glaciers on Dagu Mountain, including newly developed glaciers and an ancient glacier, which could be traced back millions of years ago and spans an area of 8.25 square kilometers.

Overlook of the Dagu Glacier. /VCG Photo

Dagu Glacier. /VCG Photo

Dagu Glacier. /VCG Photo

Dagu Glacier. /VCG Photo

Dagu Glacier. /VCG Photo

Dagu Glacier. /VCG Photo

Compared to other glaciers, the Dagu Glacier is considered young. It was discovered in 1992 by Japanese scientists using GPS.

Generally, the world's glaciers exist between 5,000 and 8,000 meters above sea level. However, the Dagu Glacier sits at an altitude of only 3,000 to 5,000 meters. Considering its relatively low elevation, it is amazing that such a beautiful glacier has existed for so many years.

(Top image via VCG)

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