Glaciological Research in Alaska— Field 127 



Until the 1940's, practically all glaciological observations in 

 Alaska were conducted in the terminal areas of the glaciers or 

 immediately above in the zone of wastage. Largely because of 

 the difficulty in making observations at higher levels, none but 

 mountaineering or surveying parties could extend their activi- 

 ties above the neve line. However, during the past few years, 

 more comprehensive studies have been begun which can be 

 attributed primarily to three factors. First is the impetus pro- 

 vided by developments in the Alps, Scandinavia, and the islands 

 of the North Atlantic, where new methods and concepts of 

 glaciological research have been worked out and applied in the 

 field (2, 31). A new comprehensive approach on a three, rather 

 than a two, dimensional basis, and involving microclimatologi- 

 cal and geophysical techniques, has been developed to challenge 

 glaciologists in this country. A second factor concerns the devel- 

 opment of aerial techniques which have made possible an 

 expansion of the scope of glacier studies in Alaska through 

 aerial photography; aerial supply of field parties by parachute 

 and free-fall; and the development of the ski-wheel plane, 

 which can take off from an airport on wheels and land on a 

 neve on skis, for transporting personnel, equipment, and sup- 

 plies. In the future, we may expect that helicopters will also 

 be used to reach areas on glaciers and ice fields where ski land- 

 ings and takeoffs by airplanes are not feasible. New sources of 

 support and cooperation form an important third factor. These 

 derive largely from government sources, primarily from the 

 National Military Establishment, which have made possible 

 comprehensive studies involving more equipment and person- 

 nel than have previously been available for purely glaciological 

 undertakings. 



Largely as a result of these three factors, what may be termed 

 a new era in research in the Alaskan area began in 1948 when 

 the Arctic Institute initiated Project Snow Cornice under the 

 leadership of Walter A. Wood (60) with Robert P. Sharp (45) 

 of the California Institute of Technology in charge of the gla- 

 ciological studies. The work, which was continued in 1949, 

 has been carried out on the Seward-Malaspina glacier system 



