Ahrnsbrak Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ahrnsbrak Glacier |
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Location of Heritage Range in Western Antarctica
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 Location in Antarctica
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| Location | Heritage Range |
| Coordinates | 79°48′S 82°18′W / 79.800°S 82.300°W |
| Thickness | unknown |
| Terminus | Union Glacier |
| Status | unknown |
Ahrnsbrak Glacier is a large river of ice located in Antarctica. It is found in a part of Antarctica called the Heritage Range. This glacier flows towards the north. It moves between two peaks, Sutton Peak and Shoemaker Peak. Eventually, it joins with the ice at the end of a larger ice stream called Union Glacier.
Contents
What is Ahrnsbrak Glacier?
Ahrnsbrak Glacier is a type of glacier. A glacier is a huge mass of ice that moves very slowly. It is formed over many years from layers of snow that get packed down. This glacier is part of the Enterprise Hills. These hills are a group of mountains within the larger Heritage Range.
Where is it Located?
The Heritage Range is a major mountain range in Ellsworth Land, Antarctica. It is known for its many glaciers and peaks. Ahrnsbrak Glacier flows into Union Glacier. Union Glacier is a very large glacier that also acts as a landing strip for planes. This area is very cold and covered in ice and snow all year round.
How Was it Discovered and Named?
Ahrnsbrak Glacier was first mapped by scientists. This mapping work helped people understand its size and where it was located. The glacier was named after a scientist who studied ice.
Mapping Antarctica
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) mapped this glacier. The USGS is a science agency of the U.S. government. They study the Earth's landscape, natural resources, and natural hazards. They used surveys and air photos taken by the U.S. Navy. These photos were taken between 1961 and 1966. Air photos help scientists map large, hard-to-reach areas like Antarctica.
Naming Important Places
The glacier was named by the Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names. This committee is responsible for naming features in Antarctica. They named it after William F. Ahrnsbrak. He was a scientist who worked for the United States Antarctic Research Program. This program helps organize U.S. scientific research in Antarctica. William Ahrnsbrak was a glaciologist. A glaciologist is a scientist who studies glaciers and ice. He worked at Palmer Station in 1965. Palmer Station is a U.S. research station in Antarctica.
See also
In Spanish: Glaciar Ahrnsbrak para niños
