Identifying Vegetation Patterns – Apgar Lookout

Identifying vegetation patterns: visible in the 300-60°
photographs below (from Apgar Lookout) are distinct patterns in the vegetation along Howe
Ridge to the left of Lake McDonald. These patterns were created by a history of forest
fires periodically burning a patchwork area of forest, prompting new growth. In the
infrared photograph, these patterns are much more distinct, providing an excellent example
of the value of infrared photography.

Panchromatic & infrared black-and-white images from 1935 at Apgar Lookout in
Glacier National Park, MT, USA.

180-300° arc sector image, panchromatic

180-300° arc sector image, infrared

300-60° arc sector image, panchromatic

300-60° arc sector image, infrared

60-180° arc sector image, panchromatic

60-180° arc sector image, infrared

Photographs courtesy of Glacier National Park archives.