Valdosta State University Researcher Investigates Cause of MeltingGlaciers in Montana

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Pictured above is the Castle Rock glacier nestled inside the Beartoth Mountains of Montana

"It's easy to believe that the earth's temperature is continually increasing; however, when you factor in the variable of precipitation, you can offset the effects of temperature," said Chatelain. "It's more complicated than just temperature�we must consider precipitation."

Another consideration, according to Dr. Chatelain, is the first appearance of El Ni�o in winter of 1976-1977, which appears to be the major influence on precipitation. During an El Ni�o year, the precipitation amounts in the study area consistently tend to be low.

"It is an honor to be invited and a good chance to present my research in front of my colleagues and peers," Chatelain said, who was able to utilize a Faculty Research Grant from VSU to purchase many of the aerial and satellite photos required for the study and a Faculty Presentation Grant from the Center for Faculty Development for his travel to the meeting in Salt Lake
City, Utah.