The Upsala Glacier lies within a glacial valley. Its northern tip sits in the undefined border zone between Argentina and Chile, while its southern side lies within Los Glaciares National Park. It flows from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the same source that feeds the Perito Moreno Glacier toward Lake Argentino.
Its name comes from Uppsala University, which funded the first glaciological studies in the region.
The glacier is known for the rapid retreat of its terminus, which many attribute to climate change. At its terminal section, on its eastern flank, the glacier acts as a natural dam, blocking meltwater runoff that forms a lake.
