Monday, June 21, 2010

Glacier Bay National Park


John Muir discovered the bay in a canoe in 1879.  One hundred years earlier it was a mile thick wall of ice.


Glacier Bay was first set aside as a national monument by Calvin Coolidge in 1925.  The park is the size of Connecticut but cannot be seen by car, only by boat or plane.


It's obviously quite spectacular, even as seen from a large cruise boat.


As seen from deck 7.


Glaciers are blue because they absorb orange light and scatter blue light rays.


Purity and age also play a factor.  As the ice melts and refreezes it becomes more compact, eliminating air bubbles, so when the ice becomes more pure it absorbs more light and emits more blue.










Happy Summer Solstice to everyone in My World!

8 comments:

Sylvia K said...

What terrific captures, Loran! Such a breathtaking place and colors! Thanks again for the tour! Have a great week! Enjoy!

Sylvia

Dar said...

Another place I will only see through eyes like yours who have been there. Thank you for all of the interesting pictures and information. I love this captivating entry.
A Great Week To You

Esther Garvi said...

What a beautiful place, Loran! Thanks for bringing us there! The scenery is beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Amazing! I took this cruise too, but the weather was not cooperative we didn't get this far. Too huge icebergs couldn't get in according to the captain.

But I loved seeing your shots. Have a wonderful summer.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Gorgeous, Loran.... I love seeing Glacier Bay... Those glaciers amaze me... Love the blue color...
Hugs,
Betsy

Barb said...

Magnificent and grand, Loran! I like your explanation of blue light, too.

Katney said...

You had lovely weather for Glacier Bay. We had rain rain rain. It was beautiful anyway.

Janie said...

Interesting about the blue tint in the ice.
I love the first shot with the reflection.