The role of glaciers and glacier research in the development of U. S. national parks

National parks and glacier research are deeply intertwined, playing pivotal roles in U.S. history and cultural identity. A significant portion of the nation's glaciers, covering approximately 75,000 km², is protected within national parks, with a substantial 43,745 km² located in nine Alaskan parks, including Wrangell-St. Elias, which alone harbors 29,041 km² of glacial coverage. Glaciers have profoundly shaped the landscapes and habitats of these parks, influencing their development. The study highlights the contributions of glacier researchers, such as John Muir, who pioneered early research in areas like Yosemite and Glacier Bay, measuring glacier movement and recognizing signs of past glaciations. This research underscores the integral relationship between national parks and glaciers, reflecting Robert Sterling Yard's perspective that geology defines scenery.

Capps, D. M. (2017). The role of glaciers and glacier research in the development of U. S. national parks. Earth Sciences History, 36(2), 337–358. https://doi.org/10.17704/1944-6178-36.2.337