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Columbia Glacier, Alaska, 2011
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Columbia Glacier, Alaska, 2011
Columbia Glacier, Alaska. False-colour satellite image of the Columbia Glacier, Alaska, USA, taken in 2011. 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 30th May
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2011 30th 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 Chugach Mountains Columbia Glacier Prince William Sound
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This print showcases the awe-inspiring Columbia Glacier in Alaska, taken by NASA's Landsat satellites in 2011. The false-color satellite image reveals the dramatic transformation this glacier has undergone over the years. Nestled amidst the majestic Chugach Mountains, Columbia Glacier descends from a towering ice field down into a narrow inlet that leads to Prince William Sound. The vibrant cyan hues depict snow and ice, while lush green patches represent vegetation. Wispy white or light orange clouds float above, contrasting with the deep blue of the open ocean. Brown exposed bedrock and gray rocky debris on the glacier's surface add further texture to this stunning landscape. However, beneath its beauty lies an alarming reality – Columbia Glacier is one of the fastest-changing glaciers globally. Between 1980 and 2011 alone, it retreated an astonishing 20 kilometers northward and lost nearly half of its thickness and volume. This image serves as a poignant reminder of our changing planet due to climate change and global warming. It highlights how human activities impact even remote regions like Alaska, where melting glaciers have significant ecological consequences. As we gaze upon this photograph captured from space, let us reflect on our responsibility to protect these natural wonders for future generations.
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