The Editor,

The Journal of Glaciology

Sir,

This sub-section was formed at a meeting on 21 December 1948 under the chairmanship of the Inspector General of Waters and Forests. Members of several official governmental bodies and hydroelectric organizations were present as well as many private individuals well known in hydrological circles. Representatives of the French Alpine Club and the Expeditions polaires françaises also attended.

A limited programme of work was arranged with a definite order of priority, the items being:

• The identification of the French glaciers and their run-off streams.

• Aerial topographical and photogrammetric surveys.

• The choice of two glaciers for detailed study.

• The effect of solar radiation on glaciers and snow.

• The structure and properties of ice.

• The volumes of glacial torrents.

• Geomorphological studies.

• The mechanism of glacier flow.

• Measurement of snowfall.

• Avalanches and avalanche defences.

At a second meeting on 24 February 1949 the Mer de Glace and the Glacier de Sarennes were selected for detailed study, the one flowing north and the other south. It was hoped that the Army would assist in making aerial surveys and in other ways.

Foreign correspondents have now been appointed for Great Britain, Switzerland, Italy, Sweden and the United States of America.

The next meeting will take place on the two selected glaciers. A thermo-electric glacier sounding apparatus, which has already shown promising results, will undergo further tests.

Members of this new body would welcome the assistance of foreign glaciologists in the support of its programme, so that they may be kept in touch with the Iatest developments in all countries. They would be pleased to reciprocate by sending their own transactions in return.