Activity 2.2 – Cryosphere: Muir Glacier, Alaska

 Muir Glacier, Alaska 

Original Photo 1950

(U.S. Geological Survey,1950)

Second Photo

  (Demilked,2005)

Google Maps View 2021

(Google Maps, 2021)

Muir Glacier, Alaska from 1950 to 2021

Problem

The retreat of the Muir Glacier in Alaska is a manifestation of the ongoing global warming and climate change that the world is currently experiencing. This retreat has been a gradual process over the past century, however, it has accelerated in recent years at an alarming rate. The Muir Glacier has receded over four miles from its original size, resulting in a reduction in its mass and volume.

Explanation

The accelerated retreat of the glacier is primarily attributed to rising temperatures, which cause increased melting and calving. Rising temperatures result in faster ice melting, leading to a rise in sea level. This rise in sea level can pose a significant threat to coastal communities, including increased flooding and erosion. Additionally, the rising temperatures are causing the glacier to calve into the ocean, further reducing its size.

Impact

The retreat of the Muir Glaciers in Alaska has far-reaching impacts on the environment and communities. Glaciers play a crucial role in regulating stream flow and providing water for wildlife and human populations. The retreat of glaciers can cause unpredictable stream flow, leading to water shortages and affecting ecosystems. The loss of glaciers in Alaska is also altering coastlines and changing the physical landscape of the region. Local communities that rely on the ice for fishing and other industries are also affected by the loss of glaciers.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the retreat of the Muir Glacier and other glaciers in Alaska highlights the pressing need to address and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The loss of glaciers has significant environmental, ecological, and community impacts and it is imperative that we take action to preserve them. The changes observed in the glacier serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that global warming is having on the planet's ice formations.In order to proctect furture generations and preserve the delicate balance of the earthe's ecosystems, it is crucial that we priortize and implenent sustainable practices and polices to reduce our carbon footprint and mitigate the effects of climate change.

Reference's:

    Klimas, Martynas. “Before-and-after Pictures of Melting Glaciers Are Warnings We Cannot Ignore.” Demilked, Demilked, 26 Oct. 2015, https://www.demilked.com/global-warming-climate-change-photographic-proof-united-states-geological-survey/.

 

   “Muir and Riggs Glaciers, Muir Inlet, Alaska - 1950.” Muir and Riggs Glaciers, Muir Inlet, Alaska - 1950 | U.S. Geological Survey, https://www.usgs.gov/media/images/muir-and-riggs-glaciers-muir-inlet-alaska-1950.

  

“Muir Glacier, Alaska.” Google Maps, Google, https://www.google.com/maps/@58.8829953,-137.0372896,3a,75y,198.75h,80.64t/data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1sAF1QipNjr5Wm7UtItBG06t-XaUA2SrhAJJ8GECsSZEJh!2e10!3e11!6shttps:%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipNjr5Wm7UtItBG06t-XaUA2SrhAJJ8GECsSZEJh%3Dw203-h100-k-no-pi-0-ya180-ro-0-fo100!7i8704!8i4352!5m2!1e2!1e4.