Cold period: Mt. Rigi on the extreme left, Mt. Pilatus on the extreme right. A wild river transports gravel. The alpine glaciers are on the advance again, they 've already reached the city of Lucerne. Mt.Pilatus also sports some small glaciers.

Warm period: The galciers have retreated deep into to inner Alps, the flat lands are covered with lush forests of large trees and undergrowth. Why the absence of animals (and humans) in the picture? This version was commissioned by Prof. Benjamin Stocker, ETH. His focus lies on vegetation and climate science.

For scientists:
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"Luzern zur Eiszeit" (Lucerne in the ice age) by Ernst Hodel, 1929. Photo:  Samuel J. Bucheli - at the Gletschergarten Luzern, Jahrmillionen-Show room - The famous painting won't be on display for an unspecified periode of time as the whole exhibition will see a complete overhaul in connection with the opening of the new Erlebnis Fels - (the rock experience)
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