Harrison Glacier, Glacier NP, 1913
First of 2 images for glacial retreat comparison. While difficult to quantify, this photo pair of Harrison Glacier exemplifies the loss of glacier volume. Comparison of the ice profile in the foreground of the photos shows a marked thinning of the glacier over the years. Colorful layers of sedimentary bedrock are being exposed as the glacier recedes from the cliff bands. Climate change research in Glacier National Park, Montana entails many methods of documenting the landscape change, including the decline of the parks namesake glaciers. While less quantitative than other high-tech methods of recording glacial mass, depth, and rate of retreat, repeat photography has become a valuable tool for communicating effects of global warming. With evidence of worldwide glacial recession and modeled predictions that all of the parks glaciers will melt by the year 2030, USGS scientists have begun the task of documenting glacial decline through photography. The striking images created by pairing historic images with contemporary photos has given global warming a face and made climate change a relevant issue to viewers. The images are an effective visual means to help viewers understand that climate change contributes to the dynamic landscape changes so evident in Glacier National Park.
Size: 5100px × 2943px
Photo credit: © Photo Researchers / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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