These two false-color thermal images taken by NASA satellites depict the rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier in Alaska over the past 25 years. The top image shows the glacier’s terminus just north of Heather Island in 1986. By 2011, the terminus had retreated 12 miles up the inlet, and is identifiable in the bottom image, just below the “Main Branch” label, where the striped glacier surface meets the inlet. The blue in the water below the 2011 terminus is floating ice that has calved off the leading edge of the Columbia Glacier. (NASA Earth Observatory)
Note that the 1st image’s date is July 1986, and the recent one in May 2011, with more unthawed snow.
An image taken in July 2012 should give a better comparison, but the message is still very clear and alarming.
Good point. Peter, can you pull a few strings and get NASA or NOAA to overfly the glacier again in July? The comparison will be much clearer by then (assuming we do not have yet more weird unseasonal weather).
This photo of the glacier in 1938 indicates it had been stable for decades (if not centuries and millennia) prior to 1986.
“false-color ” ya see ‘ false colour’ that means its fake..we’re not fooled by these commie scientists…said a tea party spokesperson today..
You have a great gallows sense of humor, Bob.