Alaska’s Superlatives

Alaska boasts an array of natural wonders that surpass those of any other destination. It claims 17 of the nation’s 20 highest peaks, including the iconic Mt. McKinley, North America’s tallest mountain at 20,320 feet. Alaska’s vastness is evident in its 3 million lakes, over 3,000 rivers, and coastline that stretches 47,300 miles, exceeding that of the entire continental United States.

Glaciers and Volcanoes

Alaska’s icy landscapes are home to an estimated 100,000 glaciers, covering nearly 5% of the state. This concentration is unmatched anywhere else in the inhabited world. In contrast, Alaska is also home to 80% of the active volcanoes in the United States.

Wildlife Paradise

Alaska’s wilderness is teeming with wildlife. Visitors can encounter 12 species of big game, including moose, caribou, Dall sheep, brown bear, and wolves. The state’s diverse birdlife includes nearly 430 species, including millions of seabirds that nest along its coastlines. Alaska is renowned for its abundance of marine life, including stellar sea lions, walrus, whales, seals, and playful sea otters.

National Parks and Protected Areas

Alaska’s natural wonders are protected within an extensive system of national parks and reserves. Glacier Bay and Denali National Park, home to Mt. McKinley, are among the most famous. These parks offer opportunities for wildlife viewing, camping, fishing, and a range of outdoor activities. Alaska also boasts over 130 state parks, ranging from roadside campgrounds to vast wilderness areas.

Accessible Glaciers

While Alaska’s glaciers may seem remote, many are easily accessible. Visitors can drive to Worthington Glacier on the Richardson Highway, Matanuska Glacier on the Glenn Highway, Exit Glacier on the Seward Highway, Portage Glacier on the Seward Highway, and Mendenhall Glacier on Glacier Highway. For a broader perspective, boat tours of Glacier Bay National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, or Prince William Sound provide stunning views of multiple glaciers. Flightseeing trips offer aerial panoramas of ice fields like Sargent Ice Field and Harding Ice Field.

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

Wildlife enthusiasts flock to Alaska for unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities. Denali National Park offers guided wildlife tours by motorcoach and van. Fly-in bear viewing is available in Alaska’s Southwest. The Inside Passage offers fly-in, boat-in, or roadside bear viewing. Whale watching cruises depart from coastal communities such as Kenai Fjords National Park and Prince William Sound. Visitors can also observe marine life underwater at Ketchikan.

Wildlife Centers and Aquariums

Guaranteed wildlife sightings and educational exhibits can be found at Alaska’s many wildlife centers and aquariums. The Alaska Raptor Center in Sitka, The Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage, and The Alaska Zoo in Anchorage provide close encounters with wildlife. The Musk Ox Farm and Reindeer Farm in Palmer and The Large Animal Research Station in Fairbanks offer unique opportunities to learn about these iconic Alaskan species.

Birding Hotspots

Alaska’s rich birdlife attracts birding enthusiasts from around the world. Fairbanks’ Creamers Field Migratory Bird Refuge is a renowned stopover for migratory birds. Other notable birding sites include Nome, Barrow, Haines’ Chilkat River, Attu Island in the Aleutian Chain, St. Paul Island in the Pribilofs, Cordova’s Copper River Delta, Anchorage’s Potters Marsh, Gambell on St. Lawrence Island, Sitka’s Alaska Raptor Center, and Haines’ Alaska Bald Eagle Festival.

Ice Sheets: The Drivers of Climate

Ice sheets, massive bodies of ice covering vast regions, play a crucial role in shaping Earth’s climate. Their dynamics can trigger dramatic shifts in temperature and weather patterns.

One such example is the Heinrich events, periods of rapid climate change marked by the discharge of icebergs into the North Atlantic. These events, which occurred every 7,000 to 12,000 years, were caused by the buildup and collapse of the ice sheet covering North America.

As snow accumulated on the ice sheet, its weight compressed the underlying rocks, creating a slippery paste. When this paste reached a critical thickness, it would flow rapidly down Hudson Strait, carrying rocks and debris into the ocean. The release of this ice and meltwater altered ocean currents and wind patterns, leading to significant climate shifts.

Ice Sheets and Flickers

Recent research has also revealed a series of shorter cold snaps, known as “flickers,” which occur between Heinrich events. These flickers are caused by the buildup and discharge of ice from the St. Lawrence Valley ice sheet.

Like the Heinrich events, flickers involve a rapid buildup of ice followed by a sudden discharge. However, the St. Lawrence ice sheet is smaller and receives more snowfall, so flickers occur more frequently than Heinrich events.

The Interplay of Ice and Climate

Initially, scientists believed that climate change was solely driven by the dynamics of ice sheets. However, new data has shown that the relationship between ice sheets and climate is more complex.

While ice sheet discharge can trigger climate change, climate change can also influence ice sheet dynamics. For example, warmer temperatures can create floating ice shelves that prevent glaciers from discharging.

The Complexity of Climate Systems

The interplay between ice sheets and climate highlights the complexity of Earth’s climate system. It is not simply a matter of ice causing climate change or climate change causing ice. Instead, it is a delicate dance between the two, with each influencing the other.

Ongoing Scientific Exploration

Scientists continue to explore the intricate relationship between ice sheets and climate. They are investigating the role of floating ice shelves, the impact of multiple ice sheets, and the use of oxygen isotopes to date ice cores.

This ongoing research is essential for understanding the past, present, and future of Earth’s climate. By unraveling the complexities of ice sheet dynamics, scientists can better predict and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Glaciers, massive rivers of ice, are like time capsules, preserving centuries of climate data within their icy layers. Scientists study these layers, known as ice cores, to understand how our planet’s climate has changed over time.

Ice Cores: Unlocking the Past

Ice cores are drilled from glaciers and analyzed to reveal valuable information about past climates. By studying the layers of ice, scientists can determine the amount and type of precipitation, temperature fluctuations, and even volcanic eruptions that have occurred over hundreds or even thousands of years.

Glaciers in the Pacific Northwest

While ice cores have been successfully extracted from glaciers in the Arctic, Antarctica, and Greenland, scientists have long doubted the possibility of obtaining reliable cores from the Pacific Northwest. The region’s warm summers can melt the ice, potentially scrambling the layers and compromising the data.

However, a team of researchers recently embarked on a mission to Mount Waddington, the tallest and coldest mountain in British Columbia, to prove otherwise. They hoped to retrieve ice cores that would shed light on the climate history of the Pacific Northwest.

Drilling into the Unknown

The research team faced challenges in drilling the cores due to the relatively warm conditions. They had to drill during the evening hours when the ice was colder and use specialized equipment to prevent the ice from melting.

To their surprise, the core they retrieved was almost clear rather than the expected banded blue and white. This raised concerns that water may have infiltrated the ice layers and corrupted the data.

Analyzing the Cores

The researchers transported the core to a lab at the University of Washington at Seattle for further analysis. They used chemical analysis to differentiate between layers of summer dust and winter ice. The amount and type of dust can indicate past climate conditions, such as droughts or forest fires.

The scientists also measured the ratio of isotopes of oxygen and hydrogen to determine past temperatures. Heavier isotopes tend to fall out of colder air, providing a record of temperature fluctuations.

Glaciers and Ecosystems

Glaciers not only hold valuable climate data but also support unique ecosystems. They create crevasses and valleys, push up earth and rock, and reflect heat. Certain algae grow on ice, providing food for insects like ice worms. Birds and other animals rely on these creatures for survival.

Glaciers also regulate water flow, create pockets of fog, and release cold water into rivers. These processes are essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and providing water resources for human populations.

Climate Change and Glaciers

As the Earth’s temperature rises due to climate change, glaciers are particularly vulnerable. Increased precipitation falls as rain rather than snow, dissolving ice and snowpacks. This process, known as glacier melt, is already occurring in the Pacific Northwest.

Glacier melt has significant consequences for both ecosystems and human populations. It reduces water availability, increases the risk of flooding, and disrupts the habitats of plants and animals that depend on glaciers.

The Urgency of Studying Mid-Latitude Glaciers

The Pacific Northwest is home to mid-latitude glaciers, which are highly sensitive to climate change. These glaciers are melting rapidly, and their climate records will soon be lost forever.

Scientists emphasize the urgent need to study mid-latitude glaciers before they disappear. By understanding the climate history these glaciers hold, we can better predict future climate changes and mitigate their impacts.

Glaciers serve as invaluable archives of our planet’s climate history. Studying ice cores from glaciers, particularly in understudied regions like the Pacific Northwest, provides crucial insights into past climate conditions and helps us prepare for the challenges of a changing climate.

Background

In 1937, renowned mountaineers Bradford Washburn and Bob Bates embarked on a historic expedition to ascend Mount Lucania, Canada’s third-highest peak. However, due to inclement weather, they were forced to abandon their heavy equipment, including cameras, on Walsh Glacier.

Rediscovering the Lost Cache

After 85 years, an expedition team led by professional skier Griffin Post set out to locate the abandoned equipment. Using 3-D mapping and historical photographs, they collaborated with glaciologists Luke Copland and Dora Medrzycka to estimate the glacier’s movement and pinpoint the potential location of the cache.

Challenges of the Search

The Walsh Glacier is a surging glacier, meaning it experiences periods of accelerated movement. This made it challenging to predict where the equipment might have traveled over the decades. Despite meticulous research, the team faced uncertainty and the daunting size of the glacier.

The Discovery

After six days of searching, Medrzycka revised her estimate based on breaks in the moraine. This led them to the discovery of the 20th-century cache, which included an aerial shutter camera, motion picture cameras, and climbing gear.

Preservation and Research

Conservators at Parks Canada are now working to preserve the artifacts and explore the possibility of recovering photographs. Additionally, the discovery provides valuable data on glacier movement and the impact of climate change on Arctic glaciers.

Glacier Movement and Climate Change

By comparing the original location of the equipment to its current location, researchers have gained insights into the glacier’s movement over time. This data contributes to the understanding of how climate change is affecting glaciers, as the Walsh Glacier has lost significant ice cover in recent decades.

Contribution to Scientific Knowledge

The discovery of the abandoned equipment and the subsequent research have expanded our knowledge of glacier dynamics and the impact of climate change on Arctic environments. It highlights the importance of historical data and interdisciplinary collaboration in scientific research.

Aerial Exploration of the Dry Valleys

Antarctica’s Dry Valleys are known for their extreme aridity, with some areas receiving no measurable precipitation for over 2 million years. To access these remote and challenging landscapes, scientists rely on helicopters.

Helicopters provide a unique vantage point for exploring the Dry Valleys. They can navigate steep slopes and land in otherwise inaccessible areas, allowing researchers to study the unique geology, hydrology, and biology of these valleys.

Helicopter-Supported Research

Helicopters play a crucial role in scientific research in the Dry Valleys. They transport scientists and their equipment to remote field sites, enabling them to collect samples, conduct experiments, and monitor environmental conditions.

One area of research focuses on the Dry Valleys’ unique water system. Despite their extreme dryness, the valleys contain massive valley floor glaciers and alpine glaciers that spill down the valley walls. Scientists use helicopters to study the movement and melting of these glaciers, and how they contribute to the formation of ephemeral lakes and streams.

Another area of research investigates the Dry Valleys’ soil biota. Helicopters allow scientists to access remote soil samples and study the diversity and adaptations of organisms that survive in these harsh conditions. Researchers have discovered nematodes, tiny creatures that can survive for decades in a dormant state and revive when moisture becomes available.

Historical Significance: Ernest Shackleton’s Hut

Beyond their scientific significance, the Dry Valleys also hold historical importance. Located on Cape Royd on Ross Island, Ernest Shackleton’s Hut is a reminder of the early days of Antarctic exploration. Built in 1907, the hut served as the base for Shackleton’s expedition to the South Pole.

Today, Shackleton’s Hut is protected by the Antarctic Heritage Trust. Visitors can take a helicopter tour to Cape Royd and explore the hut, which still contains original artifacts and supplies from Shackleton’s expedition.

Environmental Concerns: Climate Change and Wildlife

Antarctica is experiencing the effects of climate change, and the Dry Valleys are no exception. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are impacting the region’s glaciers, lakes, and soil biota.

Helicopters allow scientists to monitor these changes and study their effects on the local ecosystem. For example, researchers have observed a decline in the number of Adelie penguins in the Dry Valleys, likely due to changes in their food sources.

Wind Energy in Antarctica

In addition to scientific research, helicopters are also used to support logistical operations in Antarctica. One important project is the installation of wind turbines at Scott Base and McMurdo Station. These turbines provide renewable energy, reducing the reliance on carbon-based fuels.

Helicopters transport workers and equipment to the wind turbine sites, allowing for their construction and maintenance. The use of wind energy in Antarctica demonstrates the commitment to sustainable practices and reducing the environmental impact of human activities.

A Unique and Inspiring Experience

Helicopter tours of the Dry Valleys offer a rare opportunity to explore one of the most extreme and fascinating environments on Earth. From the vast glaciers to the microscopic nematodes, the Dry Valleys showcase the incredible diversity and resilience of life.

Visitors can marvel at the beauty of the landscape, learn about the ongoing scientific research, and gain a deeper appreciation for the importance of protecting this unique and fragile ecosystem.

Native Peoples and Early Explorers

Alaska’s rich history begins with its indigenous peoples, who crossed the Bering Land Bridge from Siberia some 20,000 years ago. These nomadic hunters and gatherers developed distinct cultures and traditions over centuries.

In 1741, Danish explorer Vitus Bering encountered Alaska while searching for a Northwest Passage. His expedition interacted with Alaska’s Native peoples, including the Eskimos, Indians, and Aleuts, who shared their hunting and fishing practices.

Russian Influence

After Bering’s arrival, Russian explorers and traders flocked to Alaska. In 1784, Grigori Shelekhov established the first permanent settlement on Kodiak Island, marking the beginning of Russian influence in the region.

The Russian Orthodox Church became an integral part of Native culture, with onion-shaped domes adorning churches in Kodiak, Juneau, and other communities. Russian customs and language also left a lasting impact on Alaska.

Gold Rush Fever

In 1896, the discovery of gold in the Klondike region sparked a massive influx of prospectors to Alaska. The isolated cabin in Skagway transformed into a lawless town, teeming with tents and makeshift buildings.

Prospectors flocked to Alaska from Seattle and other parts of the United States, seeking their fortune in the gold fields. Skagway became a major hub for miners, who trekked over the Chilkoot Pass to reach the Klondike.

The Impact of the Gold Rush

The Klondike gold rush not only brought wealth to Alaska but also shaped its communities. Gold rushes gave rise to towns such as Juneau, Fairbanks, and Haines, which continue to thrive today.

Gold fever still persists in Alaska, with visitors indulging in historical experiences at Skagway’s hotels and museums. The legacy of the gold rush remains evident in Alaska’s landscape and culture.

World War II and Strategic Importance

During World War II, Alaska’s strategic importance became apparent. The Japanese bombed Dutch Harbor and occupied the Aleutian Islands. The yearlong battle on American soil tested soldiers against both the enemy and the harsh weather.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed the Alaska Highway in record time, providing a land route for military supplies and equipment. Alaska played a vital role in the war effort as a staging area in the North Pacific.

Statehood and Economic Development

Alaska became the 49th state on January 3, 1959, marking a significant milestone in its history. The state’s vast size and natural resources attracted attention, and the discovery of oil at Prudhoe Bay in 1968 transformed Alaska’s economy.

The trans-Alaska pipeline, built between 1974 and 1977, transported oil from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez. Alaska’s oil wealth has contributed to its prosperity and infrastructure.

A Treasured Land

Today, Alaska is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and abundance of natural resources. From its majestic glaciers and towering mountains to its pristine wilderness and diverse wildlife, Alaska captivates visitors with its unspoiled landscapes.

Alaska’s rich history, diverse culture, and natural heritage make it a unique and fascinating destination. Whether exploring Native American villages, marveling at Russian Orthodox churches, or panning for gold, visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of Alaska’s past and present.