The Fluctuations of Glaciers (FoG) database contains observations of glacier state and change (length, area, elevation, and mass), glacier-related events (e.g., surges, lake outbursts, and ice avalanches), glacier names and photographs, and granular source metadata (people, agencies, and literature references). The data are distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license (see our data policy), meaning you are free to use and build upon the data as long as you cite the WGMS and (if using a subset) the original source(s). The recommended citation format is:
WGMS ({year}): Fluctuations of Glaciers (FoG) Database. World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS), Zurich, Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.5904/wgms-fog-{version}
Data download
Snapshots of the database are published with an associated digital object identifier (DOI) at least annually. Download the latest and previous versions at wgms.ch/data_databaseversions. These are CSV files with a simplified tabular structure that should be adequate for most users.
Map browser
The latest version can be browsed on an interactive map. Mass, change, and elevation change series for every glacier are available as both figures and minimal CSV files. The metadata displayed in the browser can also be accessed directly as an ArcGIS feature service.
Database browser
Browse the full relational database in real time using a graphical tabular interface at dbgate.wgms.ch. Using DbGate, you can browse and filter tables, build and execute SQL queries, and download the results. Note that real-time data lacks a version or DOI, so use the options above for reproducible research.
The database contains an overwhelming number of tables. The most relevant for most users are mass_balance, mass_balance_band, and mass_balance_point for mass change, front_variation for length change, change for elevation/volume change, and event for glacier-related events. Using the map browser above, find a glacier, note its WGMS glacier identifier, and filter these tables’ glacier_id column to find data for that glacier.
Special thanks to the DbGate team for their support.
Database access
Currently only available from within the University of Zurich network!
Access the database directly at postgresql://[email protected]/wgms (PostgreSQL database wgms with host db.wgms.ch and username readonly). For example, connect to the database with QGIS to browse tables and add those with geometries to the map.
