Harriman Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Harriman Glacier |
|
|---|---|
| Type | tidewater glacier |
| Location | Harriman Fjord, Anchorage and Valdez-Cordova Census Area, Alaska, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 60°58′30″N 148°26′30″W / 60.97500°N 148.44167°W |
| Length | 8 miles (13 km) |
| Terminus | Sealevel |
Harriman Glacier is a large glacier located in the beautiful state of Alaska in the United States. It stretches about 8 miles (13 kilometers) long. This amazing ice river flows from Passage Peak all the way to Harriman Fjord. It ends right at the sea, which is why it's called a "tidewater glacier."
Harriman Glacier is found about 16 miles (26 kilometers) northeast of a town called Whittier. It's nestled within the impressive Chugach Mountains.
The glacier got its name from the 1899 Harriman Alaska Expedition. This trip was paid for by a very important person named Edward H. Harriman. The explorers decided to name the glacier after him to honor his support.
Contents
What is a Glacier?
A glacier is like a giant, slow-moving river of ice. It forms over many, many years when snow falls in one place and doesn't melt. Instead, it piles up, gets compressed, and turns into ice.
Glaciers are very heavy and slowly slide downhill because of gravity. They can carve out valleys and shape the land around them.
Where is Harriman Glacier?
Harriman Glacier is located in a special part of Alaska called Harriman Fjord. A fjord is a long, narrow inlet of the sea, often with steep cliffs on either side. It was created by glaciers in the past!
The glacier is part of the Chugach Mountains. These mountains are known for their rugged beauty and many glaciers.
How Big is Harriman Glacier?
Harriman Glacier is quite long, measuring about 8 miles (13 kilometers). Imagine walking that far! That's a lot of ice.
It's a "tidewater glacier," meaning its end, or "terminus," reaches the ocean. When pieces of the glacier break off into the water, it's called "calving." This can create icebergs!
How Harriman Glacier Got Its Name
In 1899, a big group of scientists, artists, and naturalists went on an adventure called the Harriman Alaska Expedition. They explored many parts of Alaska.
The expedition was funded by a wealthy businessman named Edward H. Harriman. Because he made the trip possible, the explorers decided to name this magnificent glacier after him. It's a way to remember his contribution to exploring Alaska.
