185 Using Historical Photographs and Maps To Document Landscape Evolution and the Impacts of Changing Climate: A Celebration of the 96th Birthday of Bradford Washburn

Wednesday, 25 October 2006
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

BRADFORD WASHBURN: A LIFE OF EXPLORATION

Paper number: 185-2
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 8:05 AM – 8:50 AM

Authors

  • Mike Sfraga Presenting Author
    University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK

Abstract

Bradford Washburn's career evolved from a lifetime of dedicated work, detailed preparation, and an encylclopedic, uncanny knowledge of his subjects. He has conducted mountaineers and scientists high atop the mountains of Alaska, Canada, Nepal, and the continental United States. His life's accomplishments include a vast library of stunning aerial photographs, detailed and strikingly-accurate maps, and many first ascents throughout North America. At the very core of Washburn's expeditions can be found a few primary motifs: a fundemental love for high and distant places, a yearning to discover the unknown, and the desire to share with others the world's natural beauty and scientific wonders.

For nearly eight decades, Bradford Washburn focused his life's work on the interdisciplinary study of our natural world. This presentation will discuss Washburn's accomplishments as photographer, explorer, cartographer, mountaineer, field scientist, and educator and provide context for this celebratory keynote symposium in his honor.