Cool Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cool Glacier |
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Left to right, Cool, Chocolate, North Guardian and Dusty Glaciers on the east slopes of Glacier Peak
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 Cool Glacier
Location in Washington (state)
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Coordinates | 48°06′28″N 121°06′07″W / 48.10778°N 121.10194°W |
| Length | 1.3 mi (2.1 km) |
| Terminus | Barren |
| Status | Retreating |
Cool Glacier is a fascinating ice formation located on the eastern side of Glacier Peak. This peak is a large volcano found in the state of Washington, in the USA. Glaciers are like very slow-moving rivers of ice. They form when snow piles up over many years and turns into ice.
What is Cool Glacier?
Cool Glacier is a mountain glacier. This means it forms high up in the mountains. It stretches for about 1.3 mi (2.1 km) (2.1 km). The glacier starts at a high point of about 10,200 ft (3,100 m) (3,109 meters). It then flows down to about 6,900 ft (2,100 m) (2,103 meters).
Where is Cool Glacier?
Cool Glacier is found on the slopes of Glacier Peak. This area is in Snohomish County, Washington. It is partially connected to another glacier called Chocolate Glacier. Chocolate Glacier is just north of Cool Glacier. It is also found near the very top of Glacier Peak.
How Glaciers Change Over Time
Glaciers like Cool Glacier are always changing. They can grow bigger or shrink. When a glacier gets smaller, it is called "retreating." When it grows larger, it is "advancing." Most glaciers on Glacier Peak are currently retreating.
Cool Glacier has retreated a lot over time. Between 1850 and 1946, it shrank by about 1,500 m (4,900 ft) (almost a mile!). But then, something interesting happened. From about 1950 to 1979, the weather was cooler and wetter. This caused Cool Glacier to advance, meaning it grew bigger again.
However, since 1979, the glacier has started retreating once more. By 2005, Cool Glacier was almost as small as it was in 1946. It was only about 40 m (130 ft) (130 feet) longer than its smallest recorded size. Scientists continue to watch Cool Glacier. They study how it changes with the climate.
