Donjek Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Donjek Glacier |
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|---|---|
| Type | piedmont valley glacier |
| Location | Yukon, Canada |
| Coordinates | 61°07′N 139°45′W / 61.12°N 139.75°W |
| Length | 3,500 ft (1,100 m) |
| Terminus | moraine |
| Status | unknown |
The Donjek Glacier is a huge river of ice found in Kluane National Park. This park is located in Yukon, Canada. The glacier sits on the eastern side of the St. Elias Mountains.
The Donjek Glacier is very long, stretching for about 35 miles (56 km). It flows into the Donyek River Valley. The end of the glacier, called its terminus, is about 3,500 feet (1,100 m) high. A long time ago, the Donjek Glacier acted like a natural dam. It created a large body of water called Donjek Lake. Scientists believe this lake held a massive amount of water.
Donjek Glacier: A Giant River of Ice
Glaciers are like slow-moving rivers made of ice. The Donjek Glacier is a special type called a piedmont valley glacier. This means it flows out of a mountain valley and spreads out onto a flatter area. It's a key part of the amazing landscape in Kluane National Park.
A Look Back in Time
Scientists have studied the Donjek Glacier to learn about its past. In 1970, they looked at the end of the glacier. They wanted to see where it was during a warmer period long ago. This period is known as the Holocene climatic optimum.
The study found no clear signs that the glacier had completely left the Donyek River Valley. However, there is evidence that the glacier did shrink before it grew larger again. This growth happened during a time called the neoglaciation.
Near the river bed, there are some interesting mounds. These mounds are about 4–5 feet (1.2–1.5 m) tall. The river has worn down their surfaces over time. Inside these mounds, there is a lot of fine material. This suggests the mounds were originally made of till. Till is a mix of rocks and soil left behind by glaciers. This discovery hints that the Donjek Glacier used to be much bigger than it is today. If it was larger, these mounds would have experienced a lot more erosion.
What Happened Recently?
Glaciers can sometimes have sudden movements called "surges." In 1978, the Donjek Glacier had a small surge. However, it was not strong enough to block the Donjek River.
Later, in 1998, something else happened. A tunnel under the Donjek Glacier collapsed. This happened after a lot of water flooded the area. The collapse created a large ice canyon. This canyon was about 50-metre (160 ft) wide. It shows how powerful the forces of ice and water can be.
