Sunday’s are down days for IceBridge Flights, so the team headed to the Russell Glacier ice cap about 10 miles east of town. With the dirt road half covered with ice and the other half puddles of water, it was the most bone-jarring ride I’ve ever had. But worth every bit of it to spend the day at the face (leading edge) of the first glacier I’ve ever visited. I’ll let the pictures below speak for themselves.
Russell Glacier is what is referred to as a land-terminating glacier. Most of us are used to seeing video of glaciers with big chunks of ice breaking off into the sea. Because this glacier terminates on land it behaves a bit differently than one that terminates at the sea. It’s important for scientists to better understand the differences between land and sea terminating glaciers so that we can better understand glacier retreat rates and how these rates are impacted by changes in Earth’s climate.
And yes, I did break a piece off of the glacier and eat it while standing at the base of this massive river of ice.
Tomorrow morning will come early. I need to be at the airplane by 7:15 AM to join my first IceBridge mission flight. I can’t wait!!
Here I am at the base of Russell Glacier.
Russell Glacier. Take a look at all of the sediments and rocks the glacier deposits (in front of it) as it retreats.
Russell Glacier
Russell Glacier
Russell Glacier
Russell Glacier