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Columbia Glacier, Alaska, 2003
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Columbia Glacier, Alaska, 2003
Columbia Glacier, Alaska. False-colour satellite image of the Columbia Glacier, Alaska, USA, taken in 2003. 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 13th September
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Media ID 9223719
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13th 2003 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 13 September Chugach Mountains Columbia Glacier Prince William Sound
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This stunning print captures the majestic beauty of Columbia Glacier in Alaska, taken by NASA's Landsat satellites in 2003. The false-color satellite image showcases the dramatic landscape of this rapidly changing glacier, descending from a towering ice field atop the Chugach Mountains into a narrow inlet leading to Prince William Sound. The vibrant cyan hues represent snow and ice, while green signifies vegetation and white or light orange symbolizes clouds. The dark blue shades depict the open ocean, contrasting with brown exposed bedrock and gray rocky debris on the glacier's surface. Over three decades between 1980 and 2011, Columbia Glacier has experienced significant retreat, losing approximately half its thickness and volume as it retreated northward by an astonishing 20 kilometers. This alarming transformation serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of climate change on our planet. As we gaze upon this breathtaking image from space, we are reminded of both the fragility and resilience of Earth's natural wonders. It is a testament to our collective responsibility to protect these precious environments for future generations. This photograph not only highlights the geological marvels found in Alaska but also serves as a powerful visual representation of global warming's effects on glaciers worldwide. Let us cherish this moment frozen in time while recognizing that urgent action is needed to preserve our planet for years to come.
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