Coleman Glacier (Washington) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coleman Glacier |
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Coleman Glacier with Colfax Peak (left) and Lincoln Peak (center) behind
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 Coleman Glacier
Location in Washington (state)
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Coordinates | 48°46′51″N 121°50′52″W / 48.78083°N 121.84778°W |
| Length | 2.25 mi (3.62 km) |
| Terminus | Moraine/talus |
| Status | Retreating |
Coleman Glacier is a large river of ice. It is located on Mount Baker in the North Cascades mountain range. This mountain range is found in the state of Washington, in the USA. Glaciers like Coleman Glacier are important natural features. They help us understand how Earth's climate changes.
About Coleman Glacier
Coleman Glacier is a type of mountain glacier. It flows down the side of Mount Baker. This mountain is in Whatcom County, Washington. The glacier is found on the western slopes of the mountain.
Where is Coleman Glacier Located?
Coleman Glacier is surrounded by other natural areas. To its north, you can find the Roosevelt Glacier. To the south, there is a ridge called Heliotrope Ridge. These features are all part of the beautiful North Cascades.
How Glaciers Change Over Time
Glaciers are not always the same size. They can grow bigger or shrink smaller. When a glacier grows, it is called "advancing." When it gets smaller, it is "retreating." This happens because of changes in weather, like how much snow falls and how warm it gets.
Coleman Glacier has changed a lot over many years:
- From 1850 to 1950, the glacier retreated. It shrank by about 8,200 feet (2,500 meters).
- Then, from 1950 to 1979, the weather became cooler and wetter. During this time, the glacier advanced. It grew by about 2,480 feet (756 meters).
- However, from 1980 to 2006, the glacier started to retreat again. It shrank back by about 1,443 feet (440 meters).
These changes show how sensitive glaciers are to our planet's climate. Scientists study glaciers like Coleman Glacier to learn more about Earth's past and future climate.
