Davidson Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Davidson Glacier |
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 Location in Alaska
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| Type | Valley glacier |
| Coordinates | 59°04′54″N 135°28′21″W / 59.08167°N 135.47250°W |
| Area | 4.6 miles (7.4 km) |
| Terminus | Moraine/lake |
| Status | Retreating |
The Davidson Glacier is a very large ice river found near Haines, Alaska, in the United States. It starts high up in the Chilkat Range mountains. This glacier is a type called a valley glacier. This means it flows down a valley, like a slow-moving river of ice.
History of the Davidson Glacier
The Davidson Glacier got its name in 1867. It was named after a geographer named George Davidson. The local Native American name for this glacier is Ssitkaje.
A famous explorer and naturalist, John Muir, wrote about the Davidson Glacier. He saw it during his travels around Glacier Bay in 1879. Back then, the glacier was much bigger. It almost reached the ocean!
Over time, the glacier has gotten smaller. It has moved back, or receded, further into the mountains. As it receded, it left behind a special lake. This lake formed in a pile of rocks and dirt called a moraine. The lake is about one mile (1.6 km) from the Chilkat Inlet. This is similar to how Mendenhall Lake formed near the Mendenhall Glacier.
What's Happening Now
Today, the Davidson Glacier is a popular spot for visitors. People who come to Haines and Skagway, Alaska, often visit the glacier. It's a cool natural attraction to see!
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See also
In Spanish: Glaciar Davidson para niños
