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ATHABASCA GLACIER
Midway between Jasper and Banff is one of the most popular attractions in
Western Canada.
Athabasca Glacier is part of the
masssive Columbia Icefields which are a vast reservoir of ancient water. The
Icefields are the source of the headwaters of three rivers that flow to three
different oceans (Arctic, Pacific and Atlantic). Nowhere else on Earth can you
find such a phenomenon.
As the glaciers melt they are
also sliding down the mountain sides and as they do so are crushing vast amounts
of prehistoric rock into a fine powder, called rock flour. This powder floats
into nearby lakes and rivers. It becomes suspended in the water and reflects
light to our eager eyes. The colors are stunning and are different shades of
blue, green and grey. Colors vary at different times of day and from lake to
lake. It is a remarkable display that nature puts on for lucky travelers to the
Canadian Rocky Mountains.
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Athabasca Glacier is part of the
massive Columbia Icefields!
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