The above photo was taken by the Mueller Glacier. At the bottom of this mountain, there are alluvial fans. These alluvial fans formed quite a while ago seeing as how there is vegetation growth on them. Alluvial fans are made up of sediment brought by streams of water that accumulate at the base of mountains. Near the base of a mountain the land is more leveled, resulting in the slowing down of the water flow. As the velocity decreases, the streams’ ability to carry sediment also decreases. Thus, sediment is laid down. Alluvial fans are usually graded, with coarser sediments closer to the base of the mountain and finer sediments near the edges of the fan.
Shown in this photo is a huge chunk of dead ice. This photo was taken by the Fox Glacier. Sometimes when a glacier moves quickly chunks of ice may fall off and get left behind. With time the stagnant ice gets buried under sediment (perhaps from alluvial fans or talus close by). The pressure from the pile of sediment helps to preserve the ice. Preservation of ice can last for decades. In the photo the edge of a kettle lake can also be seen. Melting of dead ice contributes to the forming of a kettle lake.
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