January 31, 2006

Does Global Climate Change Affect the Glaciers in Alaska?

Submitted by Cruise West Exploration Leader- Peter Rumm

Nothing is more anticipated by our guests, returning officers and crew than a to visit one of the most dramatic places in all of North America, Tracy Arm Fjord and its' two stunning Sawyer Glaciers at its terminus. I have been making this pilgrimage since 1998 with guests, however,  this was the first season anyone could remember that for weeks, even months we could not reach either of these two glaciers. In years past, the Sawyer Glacier was clear of ice and we had no trouble safely viewing it from a 1/4 mile.   In 2005, South Sawyer Glacier was visible but only from a distance, with so much ice calving off the face, and breaking off the submerged bottom that it completely choked off the entrance preventing a close approach. It was not until July, when I was on the Sheltered Seas that Captain Mike managed to squeeze up to the face. We let our guests know that they were the first boat of the season to get as close as we did. What is so interesting from a naturalists point of view, is that this glacier has retreated unevenly over two miles in the past two years! Why is this glacier retreating so fast and calving off so much ice? One instantly asks if it has anything to do with climate change?

Posted by Peter Rumm on January 31, 2006
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