The only investigation of a Bragg grating in Ge:SiO2 in the direct space known to date is a view from an optical microscope. Here, we show surface level modulations associated with the writing of the grating. Our conclusion is that a densification takes place. We estimate the corresponding peak to peak change of the refractive index to be 1.4-1.7 X 10(-4) whether a pulsed or a CW irradiation mode is used. Compared to the refractive index change obtained by optical measurement, this accounts for a nonnegligible part (7% for pulsed and 26% for CW irradiation). We discuss the possible application of the observations to fiber and the differences in photo-chemical reactions according to the irradiation mode.