Glaciers and Ecosystems of Alaska

Alaska is home to over 100,000 glaciers, covering 5% of the state. The Bering Glacier, the largest in North America, is fed by the Bagley Ice Field. Global warming is causing significant glacier retreat, impacting ocean currents and creating unique landscapes like the Copper River Delta, which supports diverse wildlife.

What percentage of Alaska is covered by glaciers?

• 1%

• 5%

• 10%

• 15%

Which type of glaciers flow directly into the sea?

• Valley glaciers

• Mountain glaciers

• Tidewater glaciers

• Inland glaciers

Where does the Bering Glacier originate?

• Copper River Delta

• Prince William Sound

• Bagley Ice Field

• Denali

How wide is the Bering Glacier at its end?

• 5 miles

• 10 miles

• 20 miles

• 15 miles

What is the estimated ice loss of the Bering Glacier since 1900?

• 5 miles

• 6.5 miles

• 7.5 miles

• 8.5 miles

How much water does the Bering Glacier release into the Gulf of Alaska each year?

• 62 trillion gallons

• 42 trillion gallons

• 32 trillion gallons

• 52 trillion gallons

What is a potential consequence of increased glacial meltwater?

• Decreased fish populations

• Increased rainfall

• Changing ocean currents

• Rising sea levels

What is the Copper River Delta known for?

• Rich wildlife

• Deepest lake

• Largest glacier

• Tallest mountains

What type of fish is supported by the Copper River Delta ecosystem?

• Catfish

• Trout

• Bass

• Salmon

How deep are the mud flats in the Copper River Delta?

• 200 ft

• 600 ft

• 400 ft

• 800 ft