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The U.S. Department of the Interior, which protect land, water and wildlife, released the images
The agency has become a surprise online hit and gained 40,000 followers on Instagram
Collection aimed at showcasing the dramatically diverse ecosystems that make up America

Published: 05:00 EST, 23 April 2013 | Updated: 07:33 EST, 23 April 2013

The great landscapes of America are showcased in a stunning collection of photographs that have become an instant online hit.
A range of iconic natural attractions feature in the collection including the night sky over the Grand Canyon and the glorious greenery of Yosemite National Park.
The glorious images, which have gained thousands of 'likes' online, were released by the U.S. Department of the Interior - the agency tasked with protecting US land, water and wildlife.

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Breathtaking: This sunrise over Canyon National Park, Utah is one a series of great American landscapes released by a government department

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Stunning: The U.S. Department of the Interior seems an unlikely source for the epic images such as this one of Arches National Park, in Utah

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Endless: Millions of stars are visible in the night sky above the Grand Canyon, in Arizona - one of America's most famous landmarks

The government department - an unlikely source for such a striking collection of photographs - has become a surprise hit online.
So far almost 40,000 people have followed its Instagram page where the images were first published.

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The DOI, known as @usinterior, describes itself as 'protecting America's great outdoors and powering our future.'
It said it wants to highlight the dramatically diverse ecosystem and landforms that make up the U.S.
Among the natural phenomena featured in the collection are the ancient natural stone arches and monoliths at Utah's Arches National Park and awesome images taken from the Alaska Volcano Observatory.

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Awesome: The Alaska Volcano Observatory captured this spectacular picture that showcases the different ecosystems that make up the U.S

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Desert: The arid land in the 50-mile canyon at Lake Powell, in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, differs wildly from the lush parks of the North

Inspiring: The steep rocks of Esclante in Utah, left,

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Inspiring: The steep rocks of Esclante in Utah, left, and the RioGrande del Norte National Monument in New Mexico, right

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Rapids: The fast-moving waterfalls in the Potomac River at Great Falls Park in Virginia also features in the stunning series

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Towering: The sun rises over Tipsoo Pond set in the lush greenery of Mount Rainier National Park in Washington state

Comments on the array of landscape range from 'amazing' to 'mind-blowing' while being shared around the world.

A statement on the agency website reads: 'The U.S. Department of the Interior uses sound science to manage and sustain America's lands, water, wildlife, and energy resources, honours our nation's responsibilities to tribal nations, and advocates for America's island communities.
'As keepers our nation's legacy, we manage the resources in our care to benefit Americans now and in the future.
'Under the leadership of Secretary Sally Jewell, our department and its employees are developing and implementing the cutting-edge science and expert management techniques that make this possible.
'We are also taking actions to help America transform the challenges it faces today into opportunities for tomorrow.'

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Glorious: A sunset over Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. The U.S Department of the Interior said it released the pictures to highlight the work it does as 'keepers our nation's legacy'