Prince William Sound: Difference between revisions
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'''Prince William Sound''' is a large protected, largely wild inlet in south-central [[Alaska]], edged by rugged [[mountain]]s, glacier-filled [[fjord]]s, and sprinkled with many scenic islands, and full of wildlife including [[whale]]s, [[seal]]s, [[bear]]s, and many [[marine bird]]s. It is known for its [[fishery|fisheries]], [[tourism]], for outdoor [[sport]]s such as [[kayak|kayaking]] and [[hiking]]. | '''Prince William Sound''' is a large protected, largely wild inlet in south-central [[Alaska]], edged by rugged [[mountain]]s, glacier-filled [[fjord]]s, and sprinkled with many scenic islands, and full of wildlife including [[whale]]s, [[seal]]s, [[bear]]s, and many [[marine bird]]s. It is known for its [[fishery|fisheries]], [[tourism]], for outdoor [[sport]]s such as [[kayak|kayaking]] and [[hiking]]. | ||
The Sound is bounded by | The Sound is bounded by the [[Kenai Mountains]] on the west and the [[Chugach Mountains]] on the north and east, including [[Mount Marcus Baker]], the tallest peak in the Chugach at 13,176 feet. Dozens of [[tidewater glacier|tidal]] and [[hanging glacier|hanging]] [[glacier]]s cascade from these mountains. As some of the most impressive glaciers near to [[Anchorage, Alaska|Anchorage]] (Alaska's largest city), these glaciers have been a strong attraction for tourists. But long-time Alaskans have observed that the glacial landscape has changed even in their lifetimes. The most dramatic example of this in the Sound is the retreat of the massive [[Columbia Glacier]]. Once the highlight of the trip from [[Valdez, Alaska|Valdez]] to [[Whittier, Alaska|Whittier]], the glacier has retreated since 1980 away from a very shallow [[terminal moraine]] in [[Columbia Bay]], often coralling [[iceberg]]s and making it difficult for boats to approach the face of the glacier. The face (terminus) is now some 10 miles north of where it was in 1980. | ||
Revision as of 20:04, 6 August 2008
Prince William Sound is a large protected, largely wild inlet in south-central Alaska, edged by rugged mountains, glacier-filled fjords, and sprinkled with many scenic islands, and full of wildlife including whales, seals, bears, and many marine birds. It is known for its fisheries, tourism, for outdoor sports such as kayaking and hiking.
The Sound is bounded by the Kenai Mountains on the west and the Chugach Mountains on the north and east, including Mount Marcus Baker, the tallest peak in the Chugach at 13,176 feet. Dozens of tidal and hanging glaciers cascade from these mountains. As some of the most impressive glaciers near to Anchorage (Alaska's largest city), these glaciers have been a strong attraction for tourists. But long-time Alaskans have observed that the glacial landscape has changed even in their lifetimes. The most dramatic example of this in the Sound is the retreat of the massive Columbia Glacier. Once the highlight of the trip from Valdez to Whittier, the glacier has retreated since 1980 away from a very shallow terminal moraine in Columbia Bay, often coralling icebergs and making it difficult for boats to approach the face of the glacier. The face (terminus) is now some 10 miles north of where it was in 1980.