Giles Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Giles Glacier |
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Location of Sentinel Range in Western Antarctica
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 Location in Antarctica
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| Type | hanging glacier |
| Location | Ellsworth Land |
| Coordinates | 78°40′00″S 84°46′00″W / 78.66667°S 84.76667°W |
| Thickness | unknown |
| Terminus | Thomas Glacier |
| Status | unknown |
Giles Glacier is a special type of glacier called a "hanging glacier." It's located in the very cold continent of Antarctica, specifically in the southern part of the Sentinel Range within the Ellsworth Mountains. This huge river of ice slowly moves eastward, flowing along the south side of Moyher Ridge until it reaches another glacier called Thomas Glacier.
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What is Giles Glacier?
Giles Glacier is a large mass of ice that moves very slowly over land. It's known as a "hanging glacier" because it flows down a steep slope or cliff, often looking like it's suspended from the side of a mountain. This glacier is found in Ellsworth Land, a region of Antarctica that is mostly covered by ice.
Where is Giles Glacier Located?
Giles Glacier is in the Ellsworth Mountains, which are the highest mountains in Antarctica. These mountains are part of the Transantarctic Mountains system. The glacier itself is in the southern part of the Sentinel Range, a major mountain range within the Ellsworth Mountains. It's a very remote and icy place!
How Glaciers Move
Glaciers are like very slow-moving rivers made of ice. They form when snow falls and builds up over many years, compacting into thick ice. Because of their huge weight and the force of gravity, glaciers slowly slide downhill. They can carve out valleys and shape the landscape over thousands of years.
How Giles Glacier Got Its Name
Giles Glacier was officially named in 2006 by the Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names. This committee is responsible for naming features in Antarctica.
Who Was J. David Giles?
The glacier was named after J. David Giles. He worked for the Polar Ice Coring Office at the University of Nebraska. From 1993 to 1998, he played an important role in supporting drilling operations for the United States Antarctic Program.
What is Ice Coring?
Ice coring is a process where scientists drill deep into glaciers and ice sheets to pull out long cylinders of ice, called "ice cores." These ice cores are like frozen time capsules. By studying the layers of ice, scientists can learn about Earth's past climate, including temperatures, snowfall, and even the gases in the atmosphere from thousands of years ago.
Giles's Work in Antarctica
J. David Giles helped with important ice drilling projects at several locations in Antarctica. These included:
- Taylor Dome
- The South Pole
- Windless Bight
- Siple Dome
- Kamb Ice Stream
His work helped scientists collect valuable ice cores, which are crucial for understanding climate change and Earth's history.
