Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Drone/Aerial
Austfonna Ice Cap

The Austfonna Ice Cap, ranked as the third largest in the world, is a breathtaking expanse nestled on Nordaustlandet Island within Norway's Svalbard archipelago. Covering an astonishing 8,000 square kilometers, this icy giant is confronting a troubling fate, primarily due to the relentless march of global warming. Its rapid thawing is a sobering contributor to the escalating threat of rising sea levels, a somber reminder of the perilous state of our planet's climate. During my recent expedition to the Austfonna Ice Cap, I had the profound privilege of capturing a truly extraordinary moment—an image that encapsulates the very essence of its vulnerability. While I had visited this location on prior occasions, this time was uniquely disheartening. In June, the sea ice that typically guards this immense ice cap had already receded, granting us access by ship. This year, the onset of melting arrived earlier than expected, giving birth to a mesmerizing waterfall—a testament to nature's relentless transformation. As I gazed upon the enchanting scenery, it was impossible to ignore the harsh reality that this once-mighty ice cap is steadily dwindling, and its disappearance seems inevitable within a few short years. The image I captured is a composite of 26 individual frames, meticulously stitched together to immortalize the transient beauty of this natural wonder. It serves as both a testament to the awe-inspiring grandeur of our planet and a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address the pressing issue of climate change.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 06.2022
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Svalbard, Norway
Camera: FC7303
Copyright: © THOMAS VIJAYAN
Awards
Photo of the Day: 10.06.24