Continental Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Continental Glacier |
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 Continental Glacier
Location in Wyoming
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Coordinates | 43°19′54″N 109°41′26″W / 43.33167°N 109.69056°W |
| Area | 1,025 acres (415 ha) |
| Length | .50 mi (0.80 km) |
| Width | 3.2 mi (5.1 km) |
| Terminus | moraines/proglacial lake |
| Status | unknown |
Continental Glacier is a large ice mass found in the U.S. state of Wyoming. It sits high up in the Wind River Range mountains. This glacier is special because it crosses the Continental Divide. This is like a giant imaginary line that separates which way water flows across the continent.
The glacier is located within two national forests: Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forest. It is also part of two special protected areas called wildernesses: Bridger and Fitzpatrick Wilderness. Continental Glacier is part of the biggest group of glaciers in the American Rocky Mountains.
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Where is Continental Glacier?
Continental Glacier is found in the northern part of the Wind River Range in Wyoming. It stretches across the Continental Divide. This means some of its meltwater flows to the Atlantic Ocean, and some flows to the Pacific Ocean!
The glacier is located in both Fremont and Sublette counties. It's a key feature in this wild and beautiful mountain area.
High Up in the Mountains
This glacier is very high up. It sits at an elevation between 13,100 feet (4,000 m) and 11,200 feet (3,400 m) above sea level. Imagine standing on top of a mountain that tall!
It forms a large, almost unbroken sheet of ice. This icefield is over 3 miles (4.8 km) long. It lies on a high plateau north of Downs Mountain. Just to its east, you can find another glacier called East Torrey Glacier.
How Big is Continental Glacier?
Continental Glacier covers a large area. It spans about 1,025 acres (415 ha). That's like more than 770 football fields!
It is about 3.2 mi (5.1 km) wide and .50 mi (0.80 km) long. This makes it a significant part of the glacier system in the Rocky Mountains.
What is an Icefield?
An icefield is a large area of connected glaciers. They flow together, often covering a wide, high-altitude region. Continental Glacier is a great example of an icefield. It shows how many smaller ice masses can join to form one big icy landscape.
Glaciers in the Rocky Mountains
Continental Glacier is part of the largest collection of glaciers in the American Rocky Mountains. These glaciers are important. They store a lot of fresh water. They also help shape the mountain landscapes over thousands of years.
Why are Glaciers Important?
Glaciers are like giant, slow-moving rivers of ice. They are important for many reasons:
- They store a lot of the world's fresh water.
- They help regulate global climate.
- They create unique landforms like valleys and lakes.
- They are natural indicators of climate change.
