2 ALASKA GLACIERS 



stimulated by only the fur and salmon industries, was di- 

 rected chiefly to coastal regions, but the development of 

 gold placers turned attention to the interior, and for sev- 

 eral years the topographers and geologists of the United 

 States Geological Survey have been actively engaged in 

 the exploration and survey of inland districts. 



The growth of knowledge of Alaska glaciers is so rapid 

 that a summary of existing knowledge would have but 

 transient value. Generalization as to most points of world- 

 wide interest is at present impracticable because observers 

 have differed widely in their preconceptions and criteria, 

 and the data consequently are not homogeneous. It has 

 seemed best, therefore, to make the present report pri- 

 marily a record of the data gathered by the Harriman Ex- 

 pedition and to make use of other material only when it is 

 closely connected with the new data or is otherwise ser- 

 viceable in their interpretation. 



Regarded as a reconnaissance of glacial geology, the 

 cruise of the ' Elder ' was fairly comprehensive. It not only 

 covered rapidly a wide extent of coast but it brought 

 under view a great variety of phenomena. The general 

 impressions acquired while the ship was skirting the coast 

 were supplemented by the results of more definite and 

 detailed observation at a few points on the land; and the 

 impressions, acquired by local studies of individual glaciers 

 were enlarged by the panoramic view of many others. 

 Opportunities for close examination included landings 

 from the ship at thirty-four localities, at three of which 

 the use of a camping outfit extended the time to several 

 days. The remainder of the two months covered by the 

 voyage was spent on the ship, and about half the sailing 

 time was so conditioned by distance from shore, by light, 

 and by weather, as to permit profitable observation of the 

 coast. After the voyage was over physiographic studies 

 were continued by the aid of photographs. Thousands of 



