The Franz Josef Glacier has now advanced 50m, with 30m of that since March 2017. Photo: Getty ImagesFranz Josef Glacier stopped its retreat about December last year and has gained 50m since, scientists say. Victoria University glaciologist Dr Brian Anderson said the most recent retreat started in 2008, and it lost 1.43km in length. "We know that sea surface temperatures in the Tasman Sea are a key control of glacier advance and retreat, and at the moment they are 3degC or more aboveaverage. "Good for visiting glaciers, but not so good for the glaciers themselves."

Source: Otago Daily Times December 14, 2017 02:48 UTC