Carroll Glacier, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska

A pair of northwest-looking photographs, both taken from the same location, several hundred meters up a steep alluvial fan located in a side valley on the east side of Queen Inlet, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska, showing the changes that have occurred to Carroll Glacier and upper Queen Inlet during the 98 years between August 1906 and June 21, 2004. The 1906 photograph shows the calving terminus of Carroll Glacier sitting at the head of Queen Inlet. No vegetation is visible. The 2004 photograph shows that the terminus of Carroll Glacier has changed to a stagnant, debris-covered glacier that has significantly thinned and retreated from its 1906 position. The head of Queen Inlet has been filled by sediment. An examination of early 20th century nautical charts suggests that the sediment fill exceeds 400 ft. Note the developing vegetation on the sediment fill.

Photos from San Francisco Chronicle

Photographers:
1906 - USGS Photo Library Photograph - Wright 333
2004 - USGS Photograph by Bruce Molnia