Gowan Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gowan Glacier |
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Location of Heritage Range in Western Antarctica
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 Location in Antarctica
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| Location | Ellsworth Land |
| Coordinates | 79°07′00″S 85°39′00″W / 79.11667°S 85.65000°W |
| Length | 15 nautical miles (28 km; 17 mi) |
| Thickness | unknown |
| Terminus | Minnesota Glacier |
| Status | unknown |
Gowan Glacier is a long river of ice found in Antarctica. It is about 15 nautical miles (28 km; 17 mi) (about 28 kilometers) long. This glacier is part of the Heritage Range in the Ellsworth Mountains. It flows north from near Cunningham Peak. The glacier then joins the Minnesota Glacier close to Welcome Nunatak.
Discovering Gowan Glacier
Mapping the Ice
Scientists from the United States Geological Survey mapped Gowan Glacier. They used special surveys to understand its shape and size. They also used air photos taken by the United States Navy. These photos were taken between 1961 and 1966. This helped them create detailed maps of the area.
How it Got its Name
The glacier was named by the Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names. This committee gives names to places in Antarctica. They named it after Lieutenant Jimmy L. Gowan. He was a doctor in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps. In 1966, he was the officer in charge and doctor at Plateau Station.
