Boulder Glacier (Montana) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Boulder Glacier (Montana) |
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Boulder Glacier as seen in 2007
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 Boulder Glacier (Montana)
Location in Montana
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| Type | cirque glacier |
| Location | Glacier National Park, Flathead County, Montana, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 48°57′27″N 114°05′16″W / 48.95750°N 114.08778°W |
| Area | 13 acres (0.053 km2) in 2005 |
| Length | .08 mi (0.13 km) |
| Terminus | Barren rock |
| Status | Retreating |
Boulder Glacier is a small ice mass found in Glacier National Park (U.S.) in Montana, U.S.. It sits north of Boulder Peak and west of the Continental Divide, which is like a giant ridge that separates rivers flowing to different oceans. This glacier has been shrinking a lot over the years.
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What is Boulder Glacier?
Boulder Glacier is a type of glacier called a cirque glacier. This means it formed in a bowl-shaped hollow on the side of a mountain. It's located in the beautiful Glacier National Park (U.S.), a place famous for its stunning mountains and, as the name suggests, its glaciers.
Where is it Located?
You can find Boulder Glacier in the northern part of Flathead County, Montana. It's nestled among the tall peaks of Glacier National Park. The park is a very important natural area, home to many animals and plants.
How Has Boulder Glacier Changed?
Boulder Glacier has shrunk dramatically over the past few decades. In 1966, it was much larger. By 2005, it had lost more than 75 percent of its surface area. That's a huge change!
In 2005, the glacier was only about 13 acres (0.053 km2) in size. To give you an idea, many scientists say a glacier needs to be at least 25 acres (0.10 km2) to be considered an "active" glacier. This means Boulder Glacier is now too small to be called active.
What Do Photos Tell Us?
Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) have been studying Boulder Glacier. They take pictures over many years to see how it changes. Photos from 1910 show a glacier that was much, much bigger than it is today.
When researchers took new photos in 2007, they saw that the glacier had almost disappeared. These images clearly show how much ice has melted away.
Why are Glaciers Important?
Glaciers like Boulder Glacier are important for several reasons:
- Water Supply: They store huge amounts of fresh water. When they melt slowly, they provide water for rivers and streams, which people and animals use.
- Climate Clues: Glaciers are like giant thermometers. When they shrink quickly, it's a sign that the Earth's climate is getting warmer.
- Ecosystems: The cold water from melting glaciers creates unique habitats for certain plants and animals.
The shrinking of glaciers around the world, including Boulder Glacier, is a big concern for scientists. It shows us how much our planet is changing.
