Gopher Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gopher Glacier |
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 Location in Antarctica
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| Location | Ellsworth Land |
| Coordinates | 73°28′S 94°0′W / 73.467°S 94.000°W |
| Thickness | unknown |
| Terminus | Jones Mountains |
| Status | unknown |
Gopher Glacier is a large river of ice found in the cold continent of Antarctica. It flows down from a high area called Christoffersen Heights. This glacier moves north, passing between two notable landforms: Bonnabeau Dome and Anderson Dome. It is located in the Jones Mountains, which are part of Ellsworth Land in West Antarctica.
Discovering Gopher Glacier
Gopher Glacier was first explored and mapped by a group of scientists and explorers. This group was known as the University of Minnesota Jones Mountains Party. They conducted their important work during the years 1960 and 1961. Mapping glaciers helps us understand how they are changing over time.
How Gopher Glacier Got its Name
The name "Gopher Glacier" has a special meaning. The team that mapped the glacier came from the University of Minnesota. The "Gopher" is the official nickname for both the University of Minnesota and the state of Minnesota. It's a way to honor the explorers and their home state.
What is a Glacier?
A glacier is a huge mass of ice that moves slowly over land. Glaciers form in places where snow falls but does not melt completely. Over many years, layers of snow build up and get compressed into ice. This ice then starts to flow, like a very slow-moving river. Glaciers are important because they hold a lot of the Earth's fresh water.
