Alaska and Gates of the Arctic(a)|地球最后的净土——阿拉斯加

Alaska and Gates of the Arctic

National Park and Preserve

by Timothy Laird

The world's last frontier for undaunted adventurers

Nicknamed the Last Frontier, Alaska is one of the few places on Earth that remain relatively undisturbed by human population. As the northernmost and largest state in America, Alaska is also one of the least populated, with a large portion of its land covered by mountains, forests, and lakes. Alaska's abundant wilderness is home to a wide range of wildlife and plants. Among the most common animals are moose, deer, bears, wolves, beavers, and more. Alaska is also a land of contrasts because a trip there gives travelers the unique opportunity to witness a wide variety of natural wonders. Its rich geography includes majestic mountains, deep fjords, slow-moving glaciers, active volcanoes, hot springs, and icy streams. Each year, Alaska never fails to draw nature enthusiasts that desire real adventures in the wilderness.

Since it was bought from Russia in 1867 at a price of US$7.2 million, Alaska has undergone huge changes. In the beginning, there was only a small population and most settlements were concentrated on the coastal regions. At the time, the only sizable city was Juneau, which later became the capital city of Alaska. By 1900, Alaska had been transformed into a land of opportunities as gold was discovered there. People swarmed into Alaska, and after a few years, when the gold rush subsided, many people chose to stay and engage in other businesses. After mining, fishing gradually developed as an important industry. Today, Alaska is the nation's leading fishing state. It is estimated that Alaska alone produces one-third of America's revenue from fishing.

　　阿拉斯加的昵称为『最后的边疆』，是地球上少数几个人烟稀少的地方。阿拉斯加是美国最北方、面积最大，也是人口最少的其中一州，土地大部分遍布山脉、森林和湖泊。阿拉斯加广大的荒地孕育了多样的野生动植物，其中最常见的有麋、鹿、熊、狼、海狸等动物。阿拉斯加也是个对比鲜明的地方，因为到当地一游能让游客有难得的机会目睹各种不同自然奇景。它丰富的地貌包括雄伟的高山、深邃的峡湾、缓行的冰河、活火山、温泉，以及结冰的河流。每年阿拉斯加总会吸引渴望体验真实冒险的自然爱好者前进荒野一游。

　　从 1867 年以 720 万美元自俄国手中购得至今，阿拉斯加经历了剧烈的改变。起初只有少数居民，且聚落大多集中在沿岸地区。当时唯一的大城市就是朱诺，后来成为阿拉斯加的首府。到了 1900 年，当地发现金矿，阿拉斯加摇身一变成为机会之地。人们蜂拥进入阿拉斯加，几年后，淘金热退烧，许多人选择留下，从事其他行业。继采矿业之后，渔业逐渐发展成重要产业。如今，阿拉斯加是美国首要渔业大州。据估计阿拉斯加一州即占了美国渔业总收益的 3 分之 1。