Conness Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Conness Glacier |
|
|---|---|
Coness Glacier, below and to the left of Mount Conness, the highest point visible
|
|
 Conness Glacier
Location in California
|
|
| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Location | Mount Conness, Mono County, California, United States |
| Coordinates | 37°58′13″N 119°19′07″W / 37.97028°N 119.31861°W |
| Length | .15 mi (0.24 km) |
| Terminus | Talus |
| Status | Retreating |
The Conness Glacier is a large body of ice located high in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, United States. It sits on the steep northeast side of Mount Conness. This glacier is a fascinating natural feature that helps us understand how Earth's climate is changing.
Contents
What is the Conness Glacier?
The Conness Glacier is a type of glacier called a mountain glacier. It's found in a bowl-shaped hollow on the side of Mount Conness. This hollow is called a cirque (pronounced "sirk"). The glacier is located in Mono County, California.
Where can you see it?
This glacier is quite high up, at about 11,548 feet (3,520 m) (3,520 meters) above sea level. You can often see it from a place called Saddlebag Lake, which is to the east. It's a pretty impressive sight!
How big is it?
The Conness Glacier is about .15 mi (0.24 km) (0.24 kilometers) long. Even though it might not sound huge, it's actually the largest glacier in the Sierra Nevada mountains north of Tioga Pass or Highway 120. This makes it an important part of the region's natural landscape.
Why are Glaciers Important?
Glaciers like the Conness Glacier are like giant, slow-moving rivers of ice. They form when snow falls and piles up over many years, turning into ice.
What do glaciers tell us?
Glaciers are very sensitive to changes in temperature. When the climate gets warmer, glaciers tend to melt and shrink. This process is called retreating. The Conness Glacier is currently retreating, which means it is getting smaller over time. Scientists study glaciers to learn more about Earth's climate history and how it's changing today.
How do glaciers affect the environment?
Glaciers are also important sources of fresh water. As they melt, they feed rivers and streams, which can be used for drinking water, farming, and generating electricity. When glaciers retreat too much, it can affect water supplies for people and wildlife.
Exploring the Area
The area around the Conness Glacier is part of the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains. It's a popular spot for hiking and enjoying nature.
What is a cirque?
A cirque is a natural amphitheater-like basin at the head of a glacial valley. It's carved out by the glacier itself. Imagine a giant scoop taken out of the mountain by the ice! The Conness Glacier sits right inside one of these cool natural bowls.
What is the Sierra Nevada?
The Sierra Nevada is a major mountain range in the western United States. It stretches mostly through California. This range is known for its stunning granite peaks, deep valleys, and many lakes. It's home to famous national parks like Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Park.
