Sediments along the Alaskan Coast

The Copper River spills light grey sediments into the Gulf of Alaska. Upstream in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, glaciers grind bedrock into powder as they slowly move along mountain valleys. This fine sediment is easily carried by water, even if it is slow moving. Where the river meets the ocean, the sediment gradually disperses, and the water fades from bright turquoise to dark blue.

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Image courtesy Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Land Rapid Response Team at NASA GSFC

Published August 28, 2003
Data acquired August 23, 2003

Source:

Terra > MODIS