Foss Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Foss Glacier |
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 Foss Glacier
Location in Washington (state)
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Coordinates | 47°34′05″N 121°12′41″W / 47.56806°N 121.21139°W |
| Length | .35 mi (0.56 km) |
| Terminus | Barren Rock |
| Status | Retreating |
Foss Glacier is a large, slow-moving river of ice located in the U.S. state of Washington. You can find it within the beautiful Alpine Lakes Wilderness area, which is part of the Snoqualmie National Forest. This glacier sits on the northeast side of a mountain called Mount Hinman.
Glaciers are important because they store a lot of Earth's fresh water. They also help us understand changes in the Earth's climate.
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What is a Glacier?
A glacier is a huge mass of ice that moves very slowly over land. It forms over many years as layers of snow pile up and get compressed. This compression turns the snow into ice. Glaciers are often called "rivers of ice" because they flow, just like a river, but much, much slower.
How Glaciers Form
Glaciers need special conditions to form. First, there must be enough snowfall each winter. Second, the summer temperatures must be cool enough so that not all the snow melts away. Over time, the snow builds up, and the weight of the new snow squeezes the older snow beneath it. This squeezing turns the snow into dense ice.
Types of Glaciers
There are different types of glaciers. Foss Glacier is a mountain glacier, also known as an alpine glacier. These glaciers form in high mountain valleys and flow downhill. Other types include ice sheets, which are huge masses of ice covering vast areas of land, like in Greenland or Antarctica.
Foss Glacier's Location
Foss Glacier is found in a wild and scenic part of Washington state. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a protected area known for its rugged mountains, clear lakes, and deep forests. It's a great place for hiking and exploring nature.
Snoqualmie National Forest
The glacier is part of the Snoqualmie National Forest. This forest is a large area managed by the U.S. Forest Service. It helps protect wildlife, provide clean water, and offer places for people to enjoy the outdoors.
Mount Hinman
Foss Glacier rests on the northeast slope of Mount Hinman. Mountains like Mount Hinman are often home to glaciers because their high elevations mean colder temperatures and more snowfall.
Retreating Glaciers
Foss Glacier is currently "retreating." This means it is getting smaller and melting faster than new snow and ice can form. Between 1950 and 2005, Foss Glacier shrank by about 500 m (1,600 ft). That's like losing the length of five football fields!
Why Glaciers Retreat
Glaciers retreat when the climate warms up. Higher temperatures cause more ice to melt during the summer. If less snow falls in winter, or if more ice melts than is replaced, the glacier will get smaller. Scientists study retreating glaciers to understand how our planet's climate is changing.
Hinman Glacier
Foss Glacier is close to another glacier called Hinman Glacier. Hinman Glacier has almost completely disappeared. A ridge of rock separates Foss Glacier from the nearly vanished Hinman Glacier. This shows how much some glaciers in the area have shrunk.
Importance of Glaciers
Glaciers are very important for many reasons. They are a major source of fresh water for rivers and streams, especially in dry seasons. Many communities rely on glacial meltwater for drinking water and for farming. Glaciers also play a role in shaping landscapes, creating valleys and lakes over thousands of years.
Climate Change and Glaciers
The retreat of glaciers like Foss Glacier is a clear sign of global climate change. As the Earth's temperature rises, glaciers around the world are melting at a faster rate. This melting contributes to rising sea levels and can affect water supplies for people and wildlife.
