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 
