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Glaciers, A Pictoral Guide To Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park straddles the Continental Divide, where two very distinct climatic regimes exist in close proximity. The western side is primarily influenced by Pacific maritimes,while the eastern side reflects the interior continental climate of the Great Plains. Polar or Gulf Coast influences can modify the weather on both sides of the divide. A diversity of microclimates within the park results from these competing climatic zones. Glacier National Park encompasses the headwaters for numerous streams and rivers which flow from a triple divide into three continental drainage systems. These respectively lead to the Pacific (via the Columbia River), the Gulf of Mexico (via the Missouri River), and Hudson Bay (via the Saskatchewan River). This unique feature provides continental perspectives to watershed studies within the park. Glacier National Park contains climate-sensitive abiotic resources, such as approximately 50 small alpine glaciers. Because of their relatively small mass, these glaciers will respond quickly to climate change, facilitating early detection of consistent trends. Some glaciers were first photographed and measured in the 1890’s, providing an historical context to interpret changes in glaciers. Other abiotic indicators of climate, such as snowpack, lake ice, and stream discharge are currently being measured in the park. Given the physical diversity of Glacier National Park, it is not surprising that tremendous biological diversity exists there as well. Glacier encompasses an interface of 2 major continental biomes and 5 major floristic provinces, ranging from the mesic boreal forest and alpine tundra to semi-arid grassland. Numerous plant communities and over 1,000 plant species, reflect the unique convergence of these provinces. The faunal diversity reflects that of the floral diversity.

All images and text courtesy U.S. Geological Survey and Glacier National Park.

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