Ellen Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ellen Glacier |
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Location of Sentinel Range in Western Antarctica
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 Location in Antarctica
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| Location | Ellsworth Land |
| Coordinates | 78°13′S 84°30′W / 78.217°S 84.500°W |
| Length | 22 nautical miles (41 km; 25 mi) |
| Thickness | unknown |
| Terminus | Rutford Ice Stream |
| Status | unknown |
The Ellen Glacier is a large river of ice found in Antarctica. It is located in the central part of the Sentinel Range, which is a mountain chain within the Ellsworth Mountains. This glacier collects ice from the eastern sides of mountains like Mount Anderson and Long Gables. It flows mostly southeast for about 22 nautical miles (which is about 41 kilometers). The Ellen Glacier eventually leaves the mountain range and joins the Rutford Ice Stream, another large ice flow moving south.
Discovering and Naming the Glacier
The Ellen Glacier was first mapped by the United States Geological Survey. This mapping was done using information from surveys and photographs taken from airplanes by the United States Navy. These surveys and photos were collected between 1957 and 1959.
The glacier was named by the Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names. They chose to name it after Lieutenant Colonel Cicero J. Ellen. He was an officer in the United States Air Force. Lieutenant Colonel Ellen was in charge of many important air operations during the 1956–57 season. During this time, the South Pole Station was set up by dropping supplies and equipment from planes.
Glaciers that Feed Ellen Glacier
Several smaller glaciers flow into and join the Ellen Glacier, adding to its size and ice flow. These are sometimes called tributary glaciers, meaning they contribute to the main glacier.
