Digital Postcard Series: Melting Athabasca Glacier, Rocky Mountains, Canada

Digital Postcard #0008 (Photos no longer exist)

Facts About the Athabasca Glacier

There is already a lot said about the Athabasca Glaciers. However, you may want to know that Athabasca Glacier will not be with us for a long time. It is sliding with gravity and melting as much as a few centimetres per day. It may be another 100 years. But it will be forever with us in the photographs that thousands of people took. You may also want to know that the current melting water is the purest known, but again, the most recent snowfalls carried a lot of pollution, and it may not be anymore. Athabasca Glacier is the only glacier that you can actually walk on, and guess what? You could be standing on something that is hundreds of years old and can melt in a matter of minutes once you pick a piece of it.

Photo taken at Athabasca Glacier, Columbian Icefields, Canada.

~ Anna

Comments

Thanx for your nice words at my kaleidoscope king blog; can we swap links?
I'll put your link on my other blog: http://my-daily-image.blogspot.com
Andrea said…
I like Glaciers,like this one.
Our grandsons will see them in pictures only.
Maybe they will tell us: "Why didn't you work to stop melting?"
Swubird said…
Anna:

That's a very good shot of the glacier and, as you said, your image will forever it. It's too bad that all of these natural beauties are slowly disappearing. It just goes to show that the world constantly changing.

Happy trails.
Beautiful image of the glacier, both through your fine photograph and with your words, Anna. I've never seen it, but am inspired by your post to try to get there before the summer ends. Did you travel there recently?
Louis la Vache said…
Nice image and interesting history!

«Louis» thanks you for visiting San Francisco Bay Daily Photo.

Enterprising "Urban Artists" have used the construction waste on Albany Point to make Urban Art.
George said…
Thanks for helping to preserve the image of this natural beauty. I really would like to see a glacier in person, but I had better not wait too long before I start traveling!
Anna: Wonderful photos of the glacier, I love the blue streaks in the freeze.
angryparsnip said…
Anna. . .
Wonderful photo !

I really enjoy your bird photos. With my little all purpose camera I can never get those wonderful close up shots.

I want you to know I visit your blog often and so enjoy it but usually by the time I read it 40+ friends have already left a message... I am so happy that I am in the first 10 or so that today I can say... Fabulous !

cheers, parsnip
Redzlan said…
I never see glacier except in the picture.
Your had done great with this tricky to exposure white subject.
kRiZcPEc said…
so precious, and so vulnerable...
James Owens said…
Anna, nice shot! Snow and ice are hard to photograph, and you capture a sense of being there. Thanks, too, for your thoughts on the disappearances we see all around us these days .... I hope to walk on a glacier myself, someday, before it is too late....
chrome3d said…
You are lucky for being there.
How awful to think of something so old disappearing into a puddle of water Anna. It seems such a shame. I guess the world around us is changing right before our eyes.
Ty said…
Bellissime foto complimenti!!!!
Ruth said…
It's terribly sad, for the beauty, and the purity.
Marvin said…
Lovely picture! Thanks so much for stopping by my little spot... it's always nice to see you.

In Denver, there was St. Mary's Glacier, which used to attract snowboarders who would ride along it until it ended suddenly in a steep, rocky drop-off. The rescue crews got tired of going in there to retrieve broken snowboarders, so the authorities took down all the signs showing the way to the glacier. Now it's "disappeared" to most people.
Kelly said…
Anna....I LOVED this post. Thank you for the information. I've read the glaciers are melting at alarming rates, but I've never really seen great photos of them. I love your photo... It's sad their ancient history is melting before our eyes...
Pietro Brosio said…
Anna, this is a wonderful image of the Athabasca Glacier and the text is very interesting too.
Happy new week! :-)
Anonymous said…
There is this problem with the planet. Warming at the moment. Getting colder the next. I watched a program about this on the Discovery channel and found the planet had gone through cycles like this in the past. Many times. I guess those were times when glaciers were miles, upon miles thick. Not sure but think the Great Lakes were soughed out by them a few thousands years ago.

The big problem, to me, is pollution. Making things poison. All for money, too, by the way. And killing for money -- from wars that keep corporations in business to whaling ships from Japan killing the last whales on the oceans. To those who are cutting the oldest trees alive on the West Coast. I worry about these things. We began
when we arrived here by killing the Native Americans and then the Buffalo and then deforested the country and then mined the minerals and pumped the water from underground rivers. I really get upset by water fountains that spews perfectly good drinking water up in the air or that is used to flush toilets and wash cars.

We are responsible for everything. Nature, left alone, takes care of itself.

Sorry for the squawk.
Chris said…
What a fantastic picture Anna! Gosh it is very impressive and beautiful. Well done!
Dick said…
I've never seen a glacier in real and maybe I never will. It's sad to see things change but maybe it always did. It seems to me your winter was not as cold as usual but here it was colder than normal.
I suppose the NL will be under sea level in a hundred years. Not good!!!!!!!!
Nice shot.
MaineBirder said…
Thanks for stopping by Birding in Maine!

Preserving the glacier with a photo will help future generations appreciate the beauty of nature.
Marka said…
Nice photo! Thanks for your kind compliments. I find that some of my better photos are taken "from the hip," which allows me to more easily capture facial expressions and interactions. Cheers!
James said…
I've wanted to go see a glacier for a long time. They seem really cool literally and figuratively.
Very nice picture Anna.
lissa said…
it doesn't look cold but it's probably is...nice perspective
S-V-H said…
Now its my turn, Anna...Hi!:)

First thank you for all your kind comments on my blog, I love to read your comments and I appreciate them very much.

It's also the same with the glaciers in Switzerland, they are melting too, rapidly. And mountains fall apart because of the missing frost inside. I'm sorry, my English is bad and my scientific knowledge is also not the best....LOL...but I'm sure you'll know what I'm talking about. You're the smart one here...smile...

Thanks for sharing this interesting article, Anna!

Big hug to your little sunshine at home.
Susanne
Will said…
Nice photo, Anna. I spent quite a bit of time scrutinizing it trying to get a perspective on how big I would be if I was climbing on it!

The water may be pure, but the glacia itself looks like it has a lot of dirt and rocks in it?

Sad that it is disappearing, but in an odd way, sort of comforting to know that as I get older, I am not the only thing on earth being affected adversely by gravity.

I don't know too much about glaciers, but I seem to remember that as they melt in warmer climates, the water lubricates the bottom of the glacier. This makes them move downhill even faster.
StorytellERdoc said…
Beautiful post card. I like your post a lot and glad I followed it over from Peter. Thank you. I will be checking in.
Rajesh said…
Fantastic capture and this can soon be a rare shot. Global warming is really a concern.
imac said…
I saw a Glacier in Norway, they sure are a wonderful sight.
TG said…
That's where mankind stands now. And I'm not sure what's next. Some glaciers will melt, some won't. We'll see what will happen.
Albert said…
Beautiful image, excellent composition and treatment, great job.
Greetings
Rune Eide said…
Many glaciers in Norway have in fact grown the last couple of years, but it is unclear whether it is just temporary or if the trend will continue.

Thank you for the visit!
Jennie said…
This image is breathtaking Anna. You are a great photographer!
Absolutely spectacular photo! I've only had the opportunity to see glaciers from the air in a plane. What a special privilege for you to be able to visit one and photograph it.
Marie said…
Great photo!
We have some glaciers on Norway's mountain tops.

Thank you for your comment on my blog :)
Anya said…
Wow!!

Anna its a Brilliant photo
I have never seen it before in real!!

(@^.^@)
Nancy J. Locke said…
Beautiful capture, Anna, and post. :D
How sad this beauty is melting away. I love the fact that glacier holds that pure of water. It's great to think that something has lasted this long that is good.

Have super day!

Hugs, JJ
Peter said…
Hi! There is so much for me to see and one of them is to actually see something as great as this. Bearing in mind the only ice I've seen is in my freezer!

Take Care,
Peter
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks kaleidoscope King for your kind visit. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Andrea thanks. Yes our grandchildren will definitely see this, especially because of the digital technology. Yes they may ask this too, its too bad that it is melting. Thanks again for your kind comment Andrea. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Swubird it is bad, but there is so much we can do now. Thanks for commenting my friend. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Carol, thanks for your comment. I saw these glaciers back in 2006. Yes it is must to see place. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Louis la Vache thank you too for nice comment and visit. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
George this place is must to see before it goes. I am sure it may be different now, since this image was taken 2 years ago. Ensure to wear some warm clothing even when it is during the summer.

Thanks so much for your comment George. Appreciated. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
This Is My Blog - fishing guy thanks so much. Yes those glaciers do have character in them. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
angryparsnip thanks so much for your kind comment about my birds and the blog, and making the top ten comment, lol, thanks so much. Hope all is well. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks Tabib. You know if you ever saw the glaciers you wound't be surprised that isn't that bad to take the photo. However you must not have lots of contrast between objects, like dark ground. Thanks again for dropping by and commenting. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
kriz you got that right, thanks for your valuable thoughts always. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
James Owens thanks so much for your kind comment. You know it wasn't that bad to photograph the glaciers, as they look almost like sculptures. They really have so much character in them. Hope you can see them too one day. Thanks for your visit and comment again James. Appreciated. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
chrome3d thanks so much, yes it was nice unforgettable trip. Thanks so much for your comment, and visits and comments to my other blogs, appreciated your time.
myonlyphoto said…
Joan you are so right it is a shame, but what can we do, its nature, and it will always changes as us we are born, grow and then go, if you know what I mean :). Hope all is well my friend. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Ty thank you for your comment, appreciated your first visit too. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Ruth you said it all.
Thanks so much for your thoughts. Appreciated. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Oh Marvin no problem it is always my pleasure to read your interesting post, and educational too. Interesting fact about the St. Mary's glacier. It is a matter of time that they will close our too, as it may become dangerous as it melts. Thanks again for your informative comment. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Kelly it is sad, but you know everything is changing around us, lets hope that something good will come out of that. Thanks Kelly for your kind words, always nice to see you back. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks Pietro, glad you enjoyed my post, and thanks for your kind words. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Abe you know you can vent all you want. Its allowed here. I have the same issues, but then what can I do. I am totally 'green' at home, and trying be my best, but we need everyone help on this one. Thanks so much for your valuable thoughts, and information, and any time you can come here and say it. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks Chris for your kind words. It is beautiful in the real eye too. Again, thanks. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Dick there is so much we can do. We are going through the el nino, not much snow, rain, confused bushes budding, but but today we got cold again, ouch. Hope you are enjoying your winter. You got some nice photos. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
MaineBirder no problem, I liked your blog. Thanks for dropping by and commenting on my blog, appreciated. Excellent thoughts of yours. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Hey Marka no problem, and thanks for the tip I may try that too. You have some unique photos on your blog. Thanks for commenting here too. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
James if you get a chance please do, it is a nice experience. Thanks so much for your visit and comment. Appreciated. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
lissa that is what the tourist lady told us, when we get up there it will not be cold, but it was, however, not enough though for them to stop melting. Thanks lissa for your comment. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Susanne thanks so much for your comment. Your visits are always appreciated, and Matthew is sending hugs and kisses your way.

I definitely know what you are saying, no worry, your English is perfect my friend.

Thanks so much again for your kind visit and comment.

Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Hey Will thanks for your comment.

Will you probably be very small if standing there, lol. The photo is more a close up, so this one isn't that big.

Yes they do have some dirt in them, but I think lot of it showing is from the mountain rocks, because in some areas the rocks under glacier are starting to get exposed. Also glacier itself push the rocks away from the mountains, there are many crushed ones. Probably high winds contribute to the spreading.

Lol, yes you are not the only thing affected by the gravity on this Earth, lol, that was funny yet true statement.

Will you said: 'I don't know too much about glaciers, but I seem to remember that as they melt in warmer climates, the water lubricates the bottom of the glacier. This makes them move downhill even faster.' - I think you may be right, I don't know about it, but makes sense.

Will thanks so much for your informative comment always. Appreciated my friend. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
StorytellERdoc thanks so much for your kind words and visit. So Peter send you over, lol? I liked your blog too, your stories are very interesting. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Rajesh thanks, yes this may be one day just another mountain spot, however, probably visitor spot that here once were glaciers. Yes global warming is a real concern. Rajesh thanks so much for your visit and comment. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
imac thanks so much for your comment. When I visit Europe, I will make sure to drop by the Norway glacier. Thanks for sharing this. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
MKL no body knows the future, only time will tell. Thanks so much for your visit, appreciated. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks Albert for your kind words and visit. Appreciated. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
RuneE this is very interesting fact. I guess we will just have to wait for the answer, hopefully they will stay. Thanks RuneE for your visit, appreciated. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks Jeannie, your comment filled with kind words is appreciated. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks Cindy. So you saw it from the plane, that must have been a spectacular view also. Hope you get to see it one day, to see from another angle. Cindy it is always nice to see you here. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks Marie, and thanks for our visit. Norway must be another place I may want to visit one day. Thanks for sharing your info. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Anya thanks so much for your kind words, and your visits are always appreciated. Still laughing on the laughing horse, lol, it was funny capture. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks JJ, you are right it is wonderful that it lasted that long. As we change, everything else changes around us too, part of the life cycle. Thanks JJ for sharing your thoughts, appreciated my friend. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Peter thanks so much, lol, and I hate to tell you that the ice you saw in your refrigerator is not any different, just younger. Peter I hope you make it to Canada one day, and see the wonders, including me, lol. Anna :)
Max Coutinho said…
Hey Anna,

:D

This is one gorgeous picture! It is a shame that it is melting away, but hey...it is all part of evolution (things come and go - even though humans have contributed for its fast melting).

Loved your card (as I love all of them so far) :D!

Hugs to Matthew and to yourself!

Cheers
pino said…
I think that here it is cold seriously ;-)
Pearl Maple said…
Great photo, all that rugged texture and colour and light, makes for an interesting view.
The Alps are the highest of the two mountain ranges in Canada.this post is looking very natural.
That is an amazing picture. Mom always wanted to go to Banff National Park. Really beautiful.
Hope your new year is going great!
--JB
MedaM said…
Hi Anna! This is wonderful, interesting and precious photo because you took it personally; because you captured and framed this part of glacier in your photo for always. I’ve never seen glacier in person and I can imagine what wonderful experience it is.
Thank you for visiting my blog and for your always nice and kind comments. Have a wonderful weekend!
MedaM
Zbyszek said…
Prawdziwa zima, wspaniała historia. W Polsce podobne zaspy, drogi nieprzejezdne, ale ma to swój urok, jest po prostu pięknie. Pozdrawiam.
Mario said…
Fantastic winter landscape. Superb textures and composition.
myonlyphoto said…
Max you are always right, yes it is part of the evolution. The world would be boring if it wasn't changing, lol. Thanks for your thoughts my dear, and welcome back. It is always nice to see you. Matthew says 'tenk you'. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks Pino and stay warm, lol. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Pearl Maple thanks so much for your kind comment and visit. Appreciated. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Trying to get Pregnant thank you for your comment. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
JB please visit Banff, and you will not be disappointed, it is so powerful. Thanks so much for your visit and kind comment my friend. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Medam thanks so much for your kind words always. Hope you can see glaciers one day, I heard there are some in Norway, closer to you.

Again thanks so much for your kind words my friend. Stay warm and have a good weekend also. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Dziekuje Zbyszek. Napewno, zima moze byc czasami wspaniala i czasami zimna :). Pozdrawiam. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks Mario for you visit and comment. Appreciated. Anna :)
Very nice photos in your blog!

My compliments!

Bye
Dario
John Maslowski said…
Thanks for the info on this glacier Anna, have to admit I've never been there to see. Will have to add it to my list of places to visit when I retire. Beautiful image of this fascinating natural wonder. Take care Anna, hope you and your family are doing well in the new year.
Unknown said…
Lovely image Anna and well composed...Thomas
RW said…
Can I have a glass of ice water Anna?

Wow! That is a awesome photo, my friend! :)
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks Dario Ferrari, your comment and visit is kindly appreciated. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Hi John M., hope you can see them soon. You probably will capture amazing photos. It is very interesting site to see, so much history behind this nature site. Thanks for commenting again, and yes we are doing just fine - life is moving fast, lol. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks Thomas for your kind comment. Hope all is well with you. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Roger how many times I have to tell you we are not allowed to take anything from the national park, lol. Kidding aside, Roger thanks so much for your kind visit. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Watch Season Episode News thanks for your comment and visit. Anna :)
Tatiana said…
I've never been on any glacier until now, and envy you (in the nice sense) for having been and shots some great shots Anna dear :)
Louis la Vache said…
«Louis» thanks you for visiting San Francisco Bay Daily Photo!

«Louis» will be posting his own (rather than his guest photographer's) images of the coast along the Monterey Peninsula at the end of February.
Charles Dastodd said…
Wow! that is a spectacular image. well done!
myonlyphoto said…
Tatiana you must see glaciers one day, they are melting. It will be nice to see something very very old. Thanks for your comment my friend. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Louis la Vache thanks so much for your visit too. I will check with you later. Anna :)
myonlyphoto said…
Charles Dastodd thanks so much for your visit and comment. Appreciated. I will try to drop by your blog soon. Anna :)
Nina said…
Nice shot Anna... Please post more photos ^___^

Have a nice day and Keep Shooting
Nina
myonlyphoto said…
Thanks Nina. Yes I will, just waiting for spring patiently, lol. Thanks again for your visit, appreciated. Anna :)
i like all birds pictures...