Italian Scientific Expedition to Monte Rosa

Abstract

REFERRING to the letter published in NATURE (NO. 1307, November 19, 1894), we have been able this year to complete our researches on the waters of the Monte Rosa from the highest summit down to the glacial streams and lakes at about 2000 metres above the sea level.¹ Having carried up to our laboratory on the Lavez Alp (2450 m.) a good analytical balance, some quantitative determinations could be made on the spot. As might be anticipated, the amount of suspended matter in the water of the streams issuing immediately from the glaciers varies considerably not only on different days, but even in the same day. While on a cold, snowy day (August 3), the water of the Indren torrent contained 0˙011 gr. (per litre) of sandy detritus, sixty times as much (0˙66 gr.) was found on August 10, on an exceedingly warm, sunny day. On a regular summer day, with a mean temperature, the amount of suspended matter in the Indren waters varies from 0˙010 gr. in the early morning to 0˙09 gr. in the afternoon.