Fair Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fair Glacier |
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Historical image of Fair Glacier as photographed in 1910
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 Fair Glacier
Location in Colorado
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Location | Grand County, Colorado, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 40°03′36″N 105°39′26″W / 40.06000°N 105.65722°W |
| Length | .20 mi (0.32 km) and .20 mi (0.32 km) wide |
| Terminus | Talus |
| Status | Retreating |
Fair Glacier is a cool mountain glacier found in the Roosevelt National Forest in Colorado, USA. It sits just west of Apache Peak. This glacier is also very close to the Continental Divide, which is like a big imaginary line that separates where water flows in North America. Fair Glacier is on the opposite side of this divide from another glacier called Isabelle Glacier.
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What is Fair Glacier?
Fair Glacier is a type of glacier known as an alpine glacier. This means it forms high up in the mountains. It's not a huge glacier, but it's an important part of the natural landscape in Colorado.
Where is Fair Glacier Located?
Fair Glacier is in Grand County, Colorado. It's part of the beautiful Indian Peaks Wilderness, which is a protected area. The glacier is found in the Roosevelt National Forest, a large forest managed by the U.S. government.
How Big is Fair Glacier?
Fair Glacier is about .20 mi (0.32 km) long and .20 mi (0.32 km) wide. That's roughly the length of three football fields! It might not sound huge compared to some giant glaciers, but it's a significant feature in its mountain home.
The Continental Divide
Fair Glacier is located just west of the Continental Divide. This is a very important imaginary line that runs through the Americas.
What Does the Continental Divide Do?
The Continental Divide separates the water flow of North America. Rain and snow that fall on the east side of the Divide eventually flow into the Atlantic Ocean. Water that falls on the west side flows into the Pacific Ocean. So, Fair Glacier's meltwater will eventually make its way to the Pacific!
The Future of Fair Glacier
Like many glaciers around the world, Fair Glacier is currently retreating. This means it is getting smaller over time.
Why are Glaciers Retreating?
Glaciers retreat when more ice melts away than is replaced by new snowfall. Scientists study glaciers like Fair Glacier to understand how our climate is changing.
