The Changing Face of Alaska's Glaciers

   I watched an interesting movie the other day about the record retreat of many of the world's glaciers called 'Chasing Ice.' James Balog, a National Geographic photographer placed time lapse cameras in strategic positions looking over sixteen different glaciers. The resulting footage of these multi-year glacier time lapses give a striking visual to what scientists have been trying to say for decades.

Lamplugh Glacier 2015

Lamplugh Glacier 2017

   Inspired by this idea I have been trying to do my own glacier time lapses, albeit on a much smaller scale. While running trips with UnCruise in Southeast Alaska I have the opportunity to visit the same glaciers year after year. I try to get pictures from similar location and angles to allow a better understanding of the shifting face of the glacier at its terminus.

Dawes Glacier 2015

Dawes Glacier 2017

  Here are a couple of glaciers with pictures from over the last 3 years. Lamplugh glacier above had the most dramatic change. Now it is pretty much completely grounded. Both of these pictures were from high tide. Dawes glacier on the other hand looks similar, although a bit of retreat on the sides, and a much lower face hint at the ablation, or loss of mass that is happening.

  While coming face to face with these glaciers I've also had the opportunity to set up some beautiful photo shoots. If you would like to check out the high resolution prints you can find them here: http://www.daimarsphotos.com/AlaskaPhotos/Alaska/