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- Rare Clear View of Alaska
On most days, relentless rivers of clouds wash over Alaska, obscuring most of the state's 6,640 miles (10,690 kilometers) of coastline and 586,000 square miles (1,518,000 square kilometers) of land. The south coast of Alaska even has the dubious distinction of being the cloudiest region of the United States, with some locations averaging more than 340 cloudy days per year. That was certainly not the case on June 17, 2013, the date that the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA's Terra satellite acquired this rare, nearly cloud-free view of the state. The absence of clouds exposed a striking tapestry of water, ice, land, forests, and even wildfires. Snow-covered mountains such as the Alaska Range and Chugach Mountains were visible in southern Alaska, while the arc of mountains that make up the Brooks Range dominated the northern part of the state. The Yukon River -- the longest in Alaska and the third longest in the United States -- wound its way through the green boreal forests that inhabit the interior of the state. Plumes of sediment and glacial dust poured into the Gulf of Alaska from the Copper River. And Iliamna Lake, the largest in Alaska, was ice free. The same ridge of high pressure that cleared Alaska's skies also brought stifling temperatures to many areas accustomed to chilly June days. Talkeetna, a town about 100 miles north of Anchorage, saw temperatures reach 96°F (36°C) on June 17. Other towns in southern Alaska set all-time record highs, including Cordova, Valez, and Seward. The high temperatures also helped fuel wildfires and hastened the breakup of sea ice in the Chukchi Sea.Image Credit: NASA/Jeff Schmaltz, LANCE MODIS Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFCCaption: Adam Voiland
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Category Archives: Marines
Monday’s Motovator
Go visit the Gunny at Sempertoons for more.
Posted in Humor, Marines
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237 Orbits of the Sun
On this day 237 years ago our Corps became a reality. The first Marines were recruited, and signed their papers on this day in 1775. In a small tavern in Philadelphia the United States Marine Corps was born. Today we celebrate that … Continue reading
Posted in Heroes, History, Marines
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29 Years Ago
Beirut . It was the bloodiest day in the Corps’ history since World War II, when Marines fought to secure Iwo Jima. On October 23 1983, around 6:20 am, a yellow Mercedes-Benz truck drove to Beirut International Airport, where the … Continue reading
Posted in GWOT, Marines, USMC
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Someone You Should Know
Rarely do I delve into the “meme” of “Someone You Should Know”. However, recent events have drawn me to three individuals that need to be singled out for doing their jobs, and paying the ultimate price for doing them well. … Continue reading
Posted in Heroes, Marines, Military
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Marine Monday – MACE
A look inside the Martial Arts Center of Excellence in Quantico. I may have posted this previously but, I like it. Part 1: Part 2: Part 3:
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National Museum of The Marine Corps
As noted I spent the last 3 days in the DC area. Yes there was storm damage. Yes we had to scramble on arrangements for our meetings, lodging, etc. Not a big deal. I travel a lot. One thing that … Continue reading
Posted in Marines, Travel
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Marine Monday – Leadership, Integrity
I think it’s past time to get back to a Marine Monday.
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Marine Monday
A nice story out of the recent “Salute Our Troops” event in Las Vegas. Take a few minutes out of your day to learn about Drak and his handler. Marine Sgt. Kenneth Fischer never heard the blast. One second he … Continue reading
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