Water pocket in glacier to be drained
Researchers at the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) have claimed a substantial water pocket in the Tete Rousse glacier on the Mont Blanc could be a potential hazard if it were to burst.
The water pocket is said to be some 65,000 cubic metres which is enough to fill twenty Olympic sized swimming pools. If the glacier was to burst its banks to this mass of water the effects could be devastating as proven in 1892 when a similar incident occurred on the glacier Miage and flooded Saint Gervais les Bains.
Researchers made the discovery whilst carrying out routine checks in the area, although such an occurance is rare the researchers knew what they were looking at and quickly drew conclusions.
Local authorities have started an operation to drain the water via the top of the glacier, drilling down through the top sheet ensuring the stability of the ice, whilst being able to pump the water out to drain away elsewhere.
The operation is said to take several months to completely drain the underground reservoir.
Source:Reuters
