Athabasca Glacier | Columbia Icefield AB
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Description: The Athabasca Glacier is one of the most iconic and accessible glaciers in the Canadian Rockies, located in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. Here's some information about the Athabasca Glacier: Location: The Athabasca Glacier is part of the larger Columbia Icefield, which is situated along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) between Jasper and Banff National Parks. It's approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of the town of Jasper. Size and Formation: The Athabasca Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in the Columbia Icefield, covering an area of about 6 square kilometers (2.3 square miles). It formed thousands of years ago during the last ice age, as snow accumulated and compressed into ice over time. Accessibility: Visitors can easily access the Athabasca Glacier via the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, which provides parking, interpretive exhibits, and guided tours. From the Discovery Centre, specialized vehicles known as Ice Explorers take visitors onto the glacier for an up-close experience. Glacial Features: The Athabasca Glacier showcases remarkable glacial features, including crevasses, icefalls, and seracs. These formations are created as the glacier slowly moves downhill, causing the ice to crack and break, resulting in stunning and ever-changing landscapes. Guided Tours: Guided tours on the Athabasca Glacier offer visitors a chance to walk on the glacier's surface, providing a unique and memorable experience. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who share insights about glaciology, the natural environment, and the importance of preserving these fragile ecosystems. Climate Change Impact: Like many glaciers around the world, the Athabasca Glacier has been experiencing significant retreat due to climate change. This serves as a stark reminder of the environmental changes occurring on our planet and the need for conservation efforts to protect these natural wonders.