What makes Glacier Bay Alaska special?
Glacier Bay collects many glaciers flowing from the tall surrounding mountains with abundant snowfall. As recently as 1750 a single glacier thousands of feet thick filled what is now a 65-mile long fjord. This glacial retreat has exposed a resilient land that hosts a succession of marine and terrestrial life.
How did Glacier Bay get its name?
Glacier Bay, on the Gulf of Alaska, was known as the Grand Pacific Glacier, about 4,000 feet (1,200 m) thick and around 20 miles (32 km) in width. In 1890, the name “Glacier Bay” as such was given to the bay by Captain Lester A. Beardslee of the U.S. Navy.
Why is Glacier Bay a natural wonder?
Visitors may witness huge pieces of ice breaking apart from the glacier. This is known as “calving.” When the ice falls into the water, it creates a loud, thunder-like noise. From glacial fjords to mountain peaks, Glacier Bay holds some of the continent’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders.
What animals are in Glacier Bay?
In addition to marine mammals, Glacier Bay is home to a large bear population, both brown and black, as well as the blue glacier bear, a rare color phase of black bear. Moose, wolves, Sitka blacktail deer, mountain goats, and bald eagle also thrive in the park.
What happened Glacier Bay?
Glacier Bay today is the product of the Little Ice Age, a geologically recent glacial advance in northern regions. The Little Ice Age reached its maximum extent around 1750. Since then, the massive glacier that filled the bay has retreated 65 miles to the heads of its inlets.
How many glaciers are in Glacier Bay?
There are 11 glaciers that reach the sea in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, 8 of which are within the bay (some reach the sea only at high tide). See a map of tidewater glaciers. McBride Glacier, the only tidewater glacier in the East Arm, is approximately 40 nautical miles from Bartlett Cove.
Who discovered Glacier Bay?
Glacier Bay was first surveyed in 1794 by a team from the H.M.S. Discovery, captained by George Vancouver. At that time, the survey showed a mere indentation in the shoreline. The massive glacier was more than 4,000 feet thick in places, up to 20 miles wide, and extended more than 100 miles to the St.
How old is the Glacier Bay?
How many species are in Glacier Bay?
There are approximately 420 species of plants found in the park.
Where is Glacier Bay located?
southeastern Alaska
Glacier Bay, scenic indentation, about 50 miles (80 km) long, on the coast of southeastern Alaska, U.S. Situated about 100 miles (160 km) northwest of Juneau, it contains a spectacular display of glaciers that descend from the lofty ice-draped St. Elias Range in the east and the Fairweather Range in the west.
How old is Glacier Bay Alaska?
What happened at Glacier Bay?
Glaciers Advance, Glaciers Retreat Until 10,000 years ago, continental-scale ice sheets came and went many times for seven million years. The Little Ice Age reached its maximum extent around 1750. Since then, the massive glacier that filled the bay has retreated 65 miles to the heads of its inlets.