Douglas Glacier (Washington) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Douglas Glacier |
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 Douglas Glacier
Location in Washington (state)
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Location | North Cascades National Park, Skagit County, Washington, United States |
| Coordinates | 48°31′52″N 120°56′03″W / 48.53111°N 120.93417°W |
| Length | .75 mi (1.21 km) |
| Terminus | Icefall |
| Status | Retreating |
The Douglas Glacier is a cool, icy giant found in North Cascades National Park. This park is located in the state of Washington, in the United States. Imagine a huge river of ice slowly moving down a mountain! That's what a glacier is.
This particular glacier sits on the southeast side of a tall mountain called Mount Logan. It's like a big, frozen blanket covering part of the mountain.
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What is Douglas Glacier Like?
The Douglas Glacier is about .75 mi (1.21 km) long. That's like walking almost a mile! But it's even wider, stretching over 1.5 mi (2.4 km) across.
It starts high up on Mount Logan, near the very top. From there, it slowly slides down the mountain. It reaches an elevation of about 6,400 ft (2,000 m).
Where Does the Glacier End?
The end of the Douglas Glacier is quite dramatic. It finishes in something called an icefall. Think of it like a frozen waterfall, where the ice breaks and tumbles down.
Below the icefall, the glacier meets barren ground. This means it's a rocky, empty area without much plant life. It's a sign of where the glacier has been.
Why Are Glaciers Important?
Glaciers are super important for our planet. They store a lot of fresh water, which melts slowly and feeds rivers and streams. This water is used by people, animals, and plants.
They also help us understand Earth's climate. Glaciers are like giant thermometers. When they melt quickly, it tells us that the Earth is getting warmer.
What Does "Retreating" Mean?
The Douglas Glacier is currently "retreating." This means it's getting smaller and melting back. It's losing more ice than it gains from new snowfall.
Many glaciers around the world are retreating. Scientists study them to learn more about how our climate is changing.
Exploring North Cascades National Park
Douglas Glacier is part of the amazing North Cascades National Park. This park is known for its rugged mountains, deep valleys, and many glaciers. It's sometimes called the "American Alps" because of its beautiful, jagged peaks.
The park is a great place to see wildlife and enjoy nature. It's a protected area, which means its natural beauty and animals are kept safe for everyone to enjoy.
