Video by @tobyharriman // Flying by Knik Glacier was incredible.
That black dirt covering the glacier is known as cryoconite, which is very fine textured dust made of a combination of small rock particles, soot and bacteria. Over time, the accumulation of cryoconite has caused a phenomenon scientists call “biological darkening.” As the powdery dust built up on snow, glaciers and icecaps, it got buried within the ice. However in a self-accelerating process, as more cryoconite is exposed, it further increases the rate of melting and therefore the visual darkening of the glacier.
Music by @jteveringham
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