Perito Moreno Glacier records historic 910-meter retreat

The Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina has experienced a record-breaking retreat. Monitoring data from Glaciarium and the Los Glaciares National Park administration shows that between February 24 and June 4, 2026, the ice front moved 910 meters away from the Magallanes Peninsula.

This retreat exceeds the previous historical record of 750 meters recorded in 1899. During the 197-day period from November 2025 to June 2026, the glacier lost a total of 1.46 square kilometers of surface area, with 0.81 square kilometers lost during the southern summer and 0.65 square kilometers during the autumn.

Experts suggest the acceleration is due to a combination of climatic variables and topographical factors. Specifically, the glacier may have lost contact with an underwater rock formation, known as a moraine, which previously acted as a natural support point. Experts anticipate that the glacier will continue to undergo significant retreat in the coming years.