The icy blue face of Perito Moreno Glacier melts into Lake Argentino, in Los Glaciares National Park, near El Calafate, Argentina, Patagonia, South America. The spectacular Perito Moreno Glacier is one of 48 glaciers fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field (the world's third largest reserve of fresh water). Lago Argentino is the biggest freshwater lake in Argentina and reaches as deep as 500 meters (1640 feet). Its outlet, the Santa Cruz River, flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Despite most glaciers worldwide retreating due to global warming, Perito Moreno Glacier has been a relatively stable exception for the past hundred years. Located 78 kilometers (48 mi) from El Calafate, the glacier was named after explorer Francisco Moreno, a pioneer who studied the region in the 1800s and defended the territory of Argentina in the conflict surrounding the international border dispute with Chile. Los Glaciares National Park is honored on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
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