2022.07: Sukakpak Mountain, Dalton Highway, Alaska, USA

Location: Sukakpak Mountain, Dalton Highway, Alaska, USA

Date: 2022.07

Photographer: Jesen

Camera: Nikon D850

Retouch: Adobe Photoshop

Copyright: www.haomingxiong.com

A massive wall rising to 4,459 feet (1,338 m) that glows in the afternoon sun, Sukakpak Mountain is an awe-inspiring sight. Peculiar ice-cored mounds known as palsas punctuate the ground at the mountain’s base. “Sukakpak” is an Iñupiat Eskimo word meaning “marten deadfall.” Seen from the north, the mountain resembles a carefully balanced log used to trap marten./ A uniquely Arctic phenomenon, pingos are caused by water intrusions into permafrost that then freeze and expand, forcing soil and other surface features to rise and split. This pingo field is probably caused by meltwater from Sukakpak Mountain sinking into the ground through the rubble pile at its base, then resurfacing in this swampy area and freezing.

JESEN Photo