Columbia Glacier, Alaska, 1986

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Columbia Glacier, Alaska, 1986

Columbia Glacier, Alaska. False-colour satellite image of the Columbia Glacier, Alaska, USA, taken in 1986. Columbia Glacier descends from an ice field (top) 3, 050 metres above sea level, down the flanks of the Chugach Mountains, and into a narrow inlet that leads into Prince William Sound (bottom centre) in southeastern Alaska. It is one of the most rapidly changing glaciers in the world. Snow and ice appears bright cyan, vegetation is green, clouds are white or light orange, and the open ocean is dark blue. Exposed bedrock is brown, while rocky debris on the glaciers surface is gray. Between 1980 and 2011 the glacier had retreated 20 kilometres north and lost roughly half its thickness and volume. Imaged by NASAs Landsat satellites, on 28th July

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Media ID 9225401

© NASA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

1986 28th Alaska Bedrock Climate Change Climatological Climatology Cold Color Earth Observation Earth Science Ecological Ecology Environmental Science From Space Frozen Geological Glacial Glacier Glaciology Global Warming Hydrological Hydrology Icey Landsat Loss Melting Meteorological Meteorology Mountain Mountainous Mountains Physical Geography Retreat Retreating Rock Rocks Rocky Satellite Satellite Image Snow Vegetation 28 July Chugach Mountains Columbia Glacier Prince William Sound

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> Popular Themes > Geological

> Science > Space Exploration > Satellite Imagery

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the awe-inspiring beauty of Columbia Glacier in Alaska, taken by NASA's Landsat satellites in 1986. Nestled amidst the mountainous Chugach range, this colossal glacier descends from a towering ice field over 3,050 meters above sea level. The image showcases the glacier's journey as it cascades down the slopes and into a narrow inlet leading to Prince William Sound. The false-color satellite image vividly portrays various elements of this icy landscape. The bright cyan hues represent snow and ice, while lush green patches symbolize vegetation thriving amidst these frozen surroundings. Wispy white or light orange clouds drift across the sky, contrasting with the dark blue expanse of open ocean. Notably, this photograph also serves as a stark reminder of our changing climate. Over three decades between 1980 and 2011, Columbia Glacier experienced significant retreat—losing approximately half its thickness and volume while moving northward by an astonishing 20 kilometers. This transformation underscores the urgent challenges posed by global warming and climate change. As we gaze upon this remarkable snapshot from space, we are reminded of both Earth's fragile beauty and our responsibility to protect it for future generations.

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