Recent Glacier Activity in the Taku Inlet Area, Southeastern Alaska

Abstract

Contains results of author's investigations in this region (58° 30' N, 134° 04' W) during the Juneau Ice Field Research Project in 1953. An attempt was made to determine extent and dates of the late postglacial maxima of Taku and Norris Glaciers. Forest trimlines were studied from aerial photographs and in the field, and annual growth rings were counted. The maximum attained by the Norris Glacier in 1910, probably greater than any since about 1200 A.D., is apparently unique among Juneau Ice Field glaciers; it may represent, however, a minor advance in 1910 on a high level maintained since mid-18th century. Taku Glacier reached maximum in the mid-18th century, its height near the present terminus; advancing since about 1900, Taku may now have reached its present maximum.