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Rock and ice

Glacier entering Prince William Sound, near Valdez, Alaska
glacier entering Prince William Sound, near Valdez, Alaska  (c) 2005 Scott and Ruth Bassett


Source of bioregions data: Olson, D. M. and E. Dinerstein. The Global 200: Priority ecoregions for global conservation. (PDF file) Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden 89:125-126.

Distinctiveness (1=highest,4=lowest): N/A
These areas are covered by permanent glaciers and unvegetated rock.  These areas are present at the top of high peaks, although large glaciers may flow to the sea near the coast.

Conservation Status (1=most endangered, 5=most intact): N/A
Because of lack of living communities, species in these areas are not threatened, although global climate change is resulting in the decrease of glaciated areas.*

Some views from the ecoregion

Denali National Park, Alaska

Glaciers atop Mt. Ranier, Alaska
glaciers atop Mt. Ranier  (c) 2005 Carol and Steve Baskauf  hires

 

Portage Glacier, Alaska

Portage Glacier, Alaska
Glacier entering Cook Inlet  (c) 2005 Carol and Steve Baskauf  hires

 

Plain of Six Glaciers, Banff National Park, Alberta

Plain of Six Glaciers, Banff National Park, Alberta Plain of Six Glaciers, Banff National Park, Alberta
left: crevases in glacier, right: lateral moraines left after the retreat of the melting glacier (c) 2005 Scott and Ruth Bassett  hires  hires

* Ricketts, T.H., E. Dinerstein, D.M. Olson, C.J. Loucks, et al.  (1999) Terrestrial Ecoregions of North America: A Conservation Assessment.  World Wildlife Fund - United States and Canada.  Island Press, Washington, D.C. pp. 337-340.

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