Why in the news?

  • Recently, scientists warned of accelerated melting in Argentina’s Perito Moreno Glacier due to temperature rise.

Argentina

  • Location: Argentina is a South American country.
  • Capital: Buenos Aires
  • Fact: The second-largest country in South America after Brazil.
  • Bordering Countries: Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay.
  • Bordering Waterbodies: South Atlantic Ocean, Drake Passage.
  • Disputed Territory: Falkland Islands with Britain
  • Climate: Temperate Climate
  • Local Wind: Pampero Winds
  • Desert: Patagonia
  • Grasslands: Pampas
  • Economic Significance: Part of Lithium Triangle.
Perito Moreno Glacier(‘White Giant’) 

  • It is located near the city of El Calafate in the Argentine province of Santa Cruz, and comes under the Los Glaciares National Park  which is  a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • It is a 30 km-long glacier located in the Andes mountain range.
  • It was formed around 18,000 years ago during the last Ice Age. 
  • It is  a major freshwater source and a tourist attraction, known for dramatic ice calving events since 1917.