Geikie Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Geikie Glacier |
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 Location in South Georgia Island
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| Location | South Georgia |
| Coordinates | 54°17′S 36°41′W / 54.283°S 36.683°W |
| Thickness | unknown |
| Terminus | Cumberland West Bay |
| Status | unknown |
The Geikie Glacier (54°17′S 36°41′W / 54.283°S 36.683°W) is a large river of ice. It is located on the island of South Georgia. This island is found in the southern Atlantic Ocean. The glacier flows towards the northeast. It ends at Mercer Bay. Mercer Bay is part of Cumberland West Bay.
Contents
Discovering Geikie Glacier
This glacier was first mapped by explorers. It happened during the Swedish Antarctic Expedition. This expedition took place between 1901 and 1904. The leader of the expedition was Otto Nordenskiöld. He decided to name the glacier.
Who Was Sir Archibald Geikie?
The glacier was named after Sir Archibald Geikie. He was a famous Scottish geologist. A geologist is a scientist who studies rocks and the Earth. Sir Archibald Geikie was also the Director-General of the Geological Survey of Great Britain. He held this important job from 1882 to 1901.
Another Geikie Glacier
It is easy to get this glacier mixed up with another one. There is another glacier also called Geikie Glacier. This second glacier is located in Southeast Alaska. It is part of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.
Naming the Alaskan Glacier
The Alaskan Geikie Glacier was named in 1879. It was named by a famous naturalist named John Muir. He named it after James Geikie. James Geikie was Sir Archibald's younger brother. He was also a well-known geologist.
Changes Over Time
By the year 1892, the Alaskan glacier had changed. It had moved back, or "retreated." It also broke into two separate parts. The northern part kept the name "Geikie." The other part was renamed "Wood Glacier." However, Wood Glacier has since disappeared completely.
See also
In Spanish: Glaciar Geikie para niños
