Great Land of Alaska
Pictures and Information about The Great Land
Fact of the Week:Most amphibians native to Alaska are found mainly in the relatively warm southeast; the wood frog is the only amphibian found throughout Alaska. (More facts) |
Last update:February 3, 2012: New pictures added. See the new picture page for all the new pictures. |
Alaska - The Great Land.
Our word Alaska comes from the Aleut word Alyeska — “The Great Land.” As anyone who has lived in or visited Alaska knows, this is indeed The Great Land. Lush coastal rain forests, high mountain peaks, large crystal-clear lakes, and massive glaciers are just some of the breathtaking sights in this northern land.
Alaska can be just as dangerous as it is beautiful. A Grizzly surprised by a hiker, a rutting bull moose, hypothermia, earthquakes, volcanos, or avalanches are things that many Alaskans have had to face at one time or another. This tranquil, peaceful land can be a real challenge for those who try to take it on without the proper preparation and planning.
Still, many Alaskans say that despite the challenges and dangers, they'd rather not be anywhere else. They share the land with one of the world's longest rivers (The Yukon River), one of the world's highest tides (Cook Inlet), one of the world's largest mountains (Denali), and one of the world's deepest gorges (Great Gorge). Alaska also has the world's largest population of Grizzly Bears and one of the world's highest concentrations of Bald Eagles. Whether you're a Cheechako or a Sourdough, a visitor or a long-time resident, there's plenty to see and enjoy in the Great Land.
Come on in and see what we've got to offer:
Picture Galleries - Photographs of Alaskan scenery.
Reference - Definitions, maps, trivia, and other things about Alaska.
Humor - A few Alaskan-related jokes.
Links - Some links to other Alaskan or Alaskan-related sites.
VOLCANO UPDATE: (February 3, 2012 12:30PM Alaska time)
Cleveland:
Concern Level: ORANGE Alert Level: WATCH
Previous Level: YELLOW
2012-02-03 11:53:14 AVO Report:
Satellite observations throughout the week suggest that eruptive activity at Cleveland Volcano has slowed or paused. Since observation of a new lava dome on 30 January, its size has not changed appreciably. Satellite-derived surface temperatures are consistent with slow to no growth of the dome. There have been no indications of explosive ash-producing activity from distant seismic, pressure or lightning sensors.
Renewed eruptive activity producing a small 40 meter (130 foot) lava dome was first observed in satellite data on 30 January 2012, following a month of little to no observable change. The new dome occupies only a small portion of the approximately 200 meter (650 foot) diameter summit crater. There have been no observations of ash emissions or explosive activity during this current lava eruption. The lava dome that formed throughout the fall-winter of 2011 was largely removed by the explosive activity on 25 and 29 December, 2011.
It remains possible for intermittent, sudden explosions of blocks and ash to occur at any time, and ash clouds exceeding 20,000 feet above sea level may develop. Such explosions and their associated ash clouds may go undetected in satellite imagery for hours. If a large, explosive, ash-producing event occurs, seismic, infrasound, or volcanic lightning may be detected by local and regional monitoring networks. There is no real-time seismic monitoring network on Mount Cleveland.
(Alaska & Kamchatka Peninsula volcano status / recent Alaskan earthquakes)
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