Kenai

Fjords
Location
Kenai Fjords is a national park in Alaska. It is situated at the end of the Kenai
Peninsula about 125 miles south of Anchorage.

Kenai Fjords on google maps -

https://www.google.com/maps/@59.8191789,-150.2954856,8.64z
History and Founding
Kenai Fjords National Park was established on December 2nd, 1980. It was
established when Jimmy Carter evoked the antiquities act on December 1st, 1978.
The name “Kenai” came from the indigenous Athabaskan people living in the area.
It is 607,000 square acres, making it the smallest national park in Alaska. It is
known for its intense beauty stemming from its Glaciers, Fjords, Mountains,
Forests, and Wildlife.
Rainforest and Fjords
Due to glaciers retreating, plants are now able to thrive in places that were
covered in ice more than 200 years ago. Lush coastal rainforest takes up much of
that space in Kenai where glaciers have retreated. Another feature of glaciers
retreating is the creation of Fjords. Glaciers form and push around mountains.
When they retreat, water can come in and form an inlet. This is known as a fjord.
Kenai is filled with beautiful fjords due to this.
Glaciers
The glaciers at Kenai are well known for their intense beauty. The exit glacier is
arguably the most well-known glacier in Kenai. It’s icefield is known as the Harding
Icefield and it is 4.1 miles long.
Tectonic Plates and Formation of Kenai
Kenai peninsula was formed thousands of years ago by huge rocks moving north,
which collided with the south-central coast of Alaska. This also turned the
Peninsula into a mountain range known as the Kenai mountain Range.
Ring of Fire
The Kenai peninsula, along with the rest of the southern coast of Alaska, is located
on the ring of fire. The area is prone to earthquakes and even volcanic eruptions
(eruptions at Kenai are quite rare though). Not much damage is usually done due
to earthquakes in Kenai.
Climate
The Köppen Climate Classification subtype for this climate is DSC, or a
continental subarctic climate (the mountains are a tundra though). Forests and
crops are able to grow well in this type of climate. It is cold and wet in the winter
while being mild and humid in the summer. December yields the most snow for the
year in Kenai, with an average of 15.6 inches of snow every year in December.
Plantlife and Forests
The plant life of Kenai is mostly boreal and conifer forests, but certain areas are
home to a deciduous forest consisting of black cottonwoods, Sitka alder, and
several species of willow.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kenai Fjords National Park is one of Alaska’s and America’s
greatest beauties. It is home to magnificent glaciers, fjords, mountains, forests,
animals, plants, wildlife and other wonders. It is a treasure and should be
preserved for all time.

The End