Geologic Publications for Mount Rainier

The role of glaciers and glacier research in development of U.S. national parks

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Author(s): Denny M. Capps

Category: PUBLICATION
Document Type:
Publisher: Earth Sciences History
Published Year: 2017
Volume: 36
Number: 2
Pages: 337 to 358
DOI Identifier: 10.17704/1944-6178-36.2.337
ISBN Identifier:
Keywords: glaciers glacier research National Park Service

Abstract:
U.S. national parks and glacier research are inextricably linked. They are also an integral part of our history and cultural identity. For example, John Muir studied glaciers at Yosemite, Glacier Bay, and other future park areas. He measured glacier movement and recognized signs of past glaciations. Most U.S. glacier research now occurs in national parks due to the areas that they protect. Of the approximately 75,000 km² of glacier coverage in the U.S., only 683 km² lies outside of Alaska. Glaciers covering an area of 43,745 km² are wholly or partly enclosed within nine Alaskan parks. 29,041 km² occur in Wrangell-St. Elias alone. The relationship of national parks and glaciers is not mere chance. As Robert Sterling Yard said, "Geology is the anatomy of scenery". Glaciers are responsible for the scenery and habitat of many national parks from Glacier to Glacier Bay. Here, I highlight past contributions from glacier researchers in national parks and how glaciers have shaped the foundations of many national parks.

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Suggested Citations:
In Text Citation:
Capps (2017) or (Capps, 2017)

References Citation:
Capps, D.M., 2017, The role of glaciers and glacier research in development of U.S. national parks: Earth Sciences History, Vol. 36, No. 2, pp. 337-358, doi: 10.17704/1944-6178-36.2.337.