The Atlantic Periphery

Like the Atlantic Periphery, glaciers are a prominent part of the Alaska. There is an estimated 100,000 glaciers that cover the area. According to the textbook, a glacier is a large shed of ice covering major portions of the earth's surface. Glaciers are glorious landforms that are beautiful to look at and also dangerous to water navigation. As glaciers do not always show above the water surface, it is difficult to detect where one actually is in the water. Although technology today has made it much easier to detect glaciers, it is still important to use caution. In the cases of glaciers, boat captains have to be extremely careful in order to avoid tragic situations such as the Titanic.

If carefully avoided, glaciers can be extremely beautiful to look at. The landforms range in sizes and attract many tourists from all over the world. It is common for tourists who visit Alaska to take boat trips and other excursions to get good views of icebergs and glaciers.

Alaskan Glaciers

NPS McBride Glacier in the Glacier Bay National Park Glacier BayMcBride Glacier, the only tidewater glacier in the East Arm, is approximately 40 nautical miles from Bartlett Cove. If you are kayaking, McBride Glacier is a good destination because it attracts fewer motorized vessels and is a very active glacier. However never paddle (or take a boat) into McBride Inlet due to its hazardous entrance. Tidewater glaciers consist of recurring periods of advance alternating with rapid retreat and punctuated by periods of stability. During portions of its cycle, a tidewater glacier is relatively insensitive to climate change.   AK DOT Matanuska Glacier Southcentral Alaska Glaciers The Matanuska (Mat-Su) Glacier   One of the most beautiful glaciers in Alaska accessible by car. It is about two hours north of Anchorage on the Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway. A state recreation site offers 12 campsites and trails to glacier viewing.   USFS Portage Glacier Portage Glacier One of the most visited glaciers in the Chugach National Forest, an hour (50 miles) south of Anchorage off the Seward Highway. The Begich, Boggs Visitor Center is your gateway to the glaciers. The Center offers opportunities to learn about the Chugach National Forest and glaciers with fun and interactive exhibits. From the center one can take a short boat trip to view the glaciers or hike along the nature paths.   NPS CHRIS SMITH Boat tour at Spencer Glacier Spencer Glacier Also located in Chugach National Forest, can only be accessed by railroad from Anchorage or Portage. A short hike (3/4 mile) allows visitors a view of the glacier and a raft trip down the river to the train if desired.   NPS Exit Glacier Exit Glacier Is one of the most visited glaciers in the state, and the only part of the Kenai Fjords National Park accessible by road. Visitors can take a short walk to reach the face of the glacier or hike a little further to the Harding Icefield. There are 12 campsites available from Memorial Day through Labor Day.   CARL TAPE Columbia Glacier Prince William Sound Glaciers The Columbia Glacier Named after the elite ivy-league school in 1899 by the Harriman Alaska Expedition. It is approximately 400 square miles, 32 miles long and 1,800 feet thick. The glacier can be viewed by boat tours or ferry from both Valdez and Whittier.   USGS Worthington Glacier Worthington Glacier Located just north of Valdez by road. The average amount of snowfall in the mountains that feed this glacier is over 250 inches per year. There is a state recreation site which allows visitors to view the glacier and its moraines.   USGS Mendenhall Glacier Southeast Alaska Glaciers Mendenhall Glacier Formerly known as Sitantagu (meaning "The Glacier Behind the Town"). Located near Juneau in the Tongass National Forest. The visitor center near the glacier is the first visitor center built in the nation (dedicated in 1963). There are elevated access boardwalks for wildlife viewing and trails for more glacier observing opportunities.   NPS Malaspina Glacier The Malaspina Glacier Located in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. This glacier is the largest piedmont glacier in North America; spanning 60 miles across. It covers 850 square miles, which is almost the same size as Rhode Island. (http://www.alaskacenters.gov/glaciers-in-alaska.cfm)