Goode Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Goode Glacier |
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Goode Glacier on Goode Mountain
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 Goode Glacier
Location in Washington (state)
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Location | Chelan County, Washington, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 48°29′18″N 120°54′17″W / 48.48833°N 120.90472°W |
| Length | .35 mi (0.56 km) |
| Terminus | Barren rock/icefall |
| Status | Retreating |
Goode Glacier is a cool ice river found high up in the North Cascades National Park in Washington, U.S.. It sits on the eastern side of Goode Mountain, which is the tallest peak in the park! This glacier is like a giant, frozen waterfall, broken into several parts as it flows down the mountain.
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What is a Glacier?
A glacier is a huge body of ice that moves very slowly. Imagine a giant, frozen river! Glaciers form when snow falls and piles up over many years. The weight of the new snow squishes the old snow, turning it into ice.
How Glaciers Form
Snow keeps falling and building up. The bottom layers get packed down so tightly that they become solid ice. Over time, this ice mass gets so heavy that it starts to slide. It moves slowly down a mountain or across land.
Types of Glaciers
There are different kinds of glaciers. Some are huge ice sheets that cover entire continents, like in Antarctica. Others are smaller, like the mountain glaciers found in high places. Goode Glacier is a mountain glacier.
Where is Goode Glacier Located?
Goode Glacier is tucked away in the beautiful North Cascades National Park. This park is in the state of Washington, in the northwestern part of the United States. It is known for its tall, rugged mountains and many glaciers.
Home on Goode Mountain
The glacier is found on the east slopes of Goode Mountain. This mountain is super tall, reaching high into the sky. In fact, Goode Mountain is the highest peak in all of North Cascades National Park!
High Up in the Mountains
Goode Glacier sits very high up on the mountain. It is more than 2,800 ft (850 m) below the very top of Goode Mountain. This high elevation helps the glacier stay frozen year-round.
Facts About Goode Glacier
Goode Glacier is a special type of mountain glacier. It is known as a "hanging glacier." This means it hangs from a steep slope, almost like it's clinging to the side of the mountain.
Broken into Sections
Because the mountain is so steep, Goode Glacier is not one smooth sheet of ice. Instead, it is broken into several different sections. These sections descend from about 7,200 to 5,800 ft (2,200 to 1,800 m) down the mountain.
Glacier Status
Like many glaciers around the world, Goode Glacier is currently "retreating." This means it is getting smaller. The ice is melting faster than new snow can build up and turn into ice. Scientists study glaciers like Goode Glacier to understand how our planet's climate is changing.
Why Glaciers are Important
Glaciers are very important for many reasons. They are like giant frozen water storage tanks.
Water Supply
Many communities rely on glaciers for their water supply. As glaciers slowly melt during warmer months, they release water into rivers and streams. This water is used for drinking, farming, and making electricity.
Climate Clues
Glaciers also give us important clues about Earth's climate. By studying how glaciers grow or shrink, scientists can learn about past and present climate changes. When glaciers retreat, it often shows that temperatures are getting warmer.
