What is a mountain glacier?

Workshop Promotion, Research, Scientific and Technical Culture
August 14, 2026Villar-d'Arène - Lautaret Garden
model of an alpine glacier
At 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. With Bruno Jourdain, lecturer and researcher at the Institute of Environmental Geosciences. Using an educational model of a glacier, let a glaciologist guide you through the fascinating world of mountain glaciers. 45-minute workshop, open to all ages 8 and up.

The activity takes place around an educational model of a glacier, which the instructor uses to explain what a mountain glacier is, its various characteristics, and its impact on the landscape. We then explore the various types of measurements taken by glaciologists on these glaciers and their purpose. Finally, the topics of glacier retreat in relation to global warming and the glacier-related risks that may result are presented. An interactive session to see the mountains in a new light and unravel the mysteries of glaciers.

Bruno Jourdain, IGE

Bruno Jourdain is an associate physicist at OSUG, affiliated with the Institute of Environmental Geosciences (IGE – CNRS/Grenoble INP-UGA/INRAE/IRD/UGA). After spending some twenty years studying atmospheric chemistry in Antarctica, he is now involved in monitoring Alpine glaciers atthe Glacioclim Observatory. For many years, he has also been aware of the importance of communicating scientific knowledge to the general public, which led him to design the glacier model he presents here.
Published on April 2, 2026
Updated on April 3, 2026