kids encyclopedia robot

Gem Glacier facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Gem Glacier
Grinnell overlook.jpg
Gem Glacier is the small snowy patch in the upper right, in the notch on the cliffs. The larger and better known Grinnell Glacier is below.
Map showing the location of Gem Glacier
Map showing the location of Gem Glacier
Gem Glacier
Location in Montana
Type Hanging glacier
Location Glacier National Park, Glacier County, Montana, U.S.
Coordinates 48°44′48″N 113°43′40″W / 48.74667°N 113.72778°W / 48.74667; -113.72778
Area 5 acres (0.020 km2) in 2005
Terminus Cliffs
Status Retreating

Gem Glacier is the smallest named glacier in Glacier National Park (U.S.). Located on the east (Glacier County) side of the Continental Divide arête known as the Garden Wall, the glacier is situated on the cliff face above the better known Grinnell Glacier. Gem Glacier is a hanging glacier, and drapes down from the north face of the steep arete to which it is attached. Gem Glacier is only 5 acres (0.020 km2) in area and is far below the 25 acres (0.10 km2) threshold often cited as qualifying as an active glacier. Between 1966 and 2005, Gem Glacier lost 30 percent of its acreage and Grinnell Glacier lost 40 percent.

kids search engine
Gem Glacier Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.