Home > Science > Space Exploration > Satellite Imagery
Columbia Glacier, Alaska, 1989
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Columbia Glacier, Alaska, 1989
Columbia Glacier, Alaska. False-colour satellite image of the Columbia Glacier, Alaska, USA, taken in 1989. Columbia Glacier descends from an ice field (top) 3, 050 metres above sea level, down the flanks of the Chugach Mountains, and into a narrow inlet that leads into Prince William Sound (bottom centre) in southeastern Alaska. It is one of the most rapidly changing glaciers in the world. Snow and ice appears bright cyan, vegetation is green, clouds are white or light orange, and the open ocean is dark blue. Exposed bedrock is brown, while rocky debris on the glaciers surface is gray. Between 1980 and 2011 the glacier had retreated 20 kilometres north and lost roughly half its thickness and volume. Imaged by NASAs Landsat satellites, on 26th June
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9267441
© NASA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1989 Alaska Bedrock Climate Change Climatological Climatology Cold Color Earth Observation Earth Science Ecological Ecology Environmental Science From Space Frozen Geological Glacial Glacier Glaciology Global Warming Hydrological Hydrology Icey Landsat Loss Melting Meteorological Meteorology Mountain Mountainous Mountains Physical Geography Retreat Retreating Rock Rocks Rocky Satellite Satellite Image Snow Vegetation 26th Chugach Mountains Columbia Glacier Prince William Sound
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Science
> Space Exploration
> Satellite Imagery
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the awe-inspiring Columbia Glacier in Alaska, taken back in 1989. The false-color satellite image reveals the glacier's magnificent descent from a towering ice field atop the Chugach Mountains down into a narrow inlet leading to Prince William Sound. Its striking cyan hue represents snow and ice, while lush green patches depict vegetation amidst this icy landscape. NASAs Landsat satellites captured this snapshot on June 26th, providing a comprehensive view of the region's geological features. Brown exposed bedrock contrasts with gray rocky debris scattered across the glacier's surface. Clouds appear as white or light orange formations, while the open ocean takes on a deep blue shade. However, behind its breathtaking beauty lies an alarming reality - Columbia Glacier is one of the fastest-changing glaciers worldwide. Between 1980 and 2011 alone, it retreated an astonishing distance of 20 kilometers towards the north and lost nearly half its thickness and volume due to global warming and climate change. This photograph serves as a reminder of our planet's vulnerability to environmental shifts caused by human activities. It highlights both the delicate balance within Earth's ecosystems and our responsibility to protect them for future generations.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
