Green Lake Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Green Lake Glacier |
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 Green Lake Glacier
Location in Washington (state)
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| Type | Alpine glacier |
| Coordinates | 48°39′49″N 121°31′13″W / 48.66361°N 121.52028°W |
| Length | .80 mi (1.29 km) |
| Terminus | Barren rock/icefall |
| Status | Retreating |
Green Lake Glacier is a fascinating ice giant found in North Cascades National Park in the U.S. state of Washington. It sits just northeast of a mountain called Bacon Peak. This glacier is a big mass of ice that moves slowly down a mountain.
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Exploring Green Lake Glacier
Green Lake Glacier is an alpine glacier, meaning it formed in a mountain range. It's like a slow-moving river of ice. The glacier starts high up on a ridge that stretches east from Bacon Peak.
Where is Green Lake Glacier Located?
This glacier is found in the beautiful North Cascades National Park. It is in Whatcom County, Washington, in the northwestern part of the United States. The glacier is very close to Bacon Peak.
How Does the Glacier Flow?
Green Lake Glacier splits into two "tongues" or sections. These parts flow down the northern side of the ridge. They stretch from about 6,600 ft (2,000 m) down to 5,500 ft (1,700 m) in elevation.
What is an Arête?
The ridge where the glacier begins is a special kind of mountain ridge called an arête. An arête is a sharp, narrow ridge of rock. It is often formed when two glaciers erode, or wear away, rock on either side. This arête separates Green Lake Glacier from another glacier, Diobsud Creek Glacier, which is to the south.
The Glacier's Meltwater
As the glacier melts, its water flows away. This meltwater creates Bacon Lake Falls. The water then continues its journey to Green Lake. This lake is an important part of the park's natural beauty.
Is Green Lake Glacier Changing?
Like many glaciers around the world, Green Lake Glacier is currently retreating. This means the glacier is getting smaller over time. It is losing more ice than it gains from new snowfall. Scientists study glaciers like Green Lake Glacier to understand how our planet's climate is changing.
