Hanging Glacier (Jefferson County, Washington) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hanging Glacier |
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 Hanging Glacier
Location in Washington (state)
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Coordinates | 47°43′50″N 123°19′25″W / 47.73056°N 123.32361°W |
| Length | .20 mi (0.32 km) |
| Terminus | Talus |
| Status | Retreating |
Hanging Glacier is a small but important glacier located in the Olympic Mountains of Washington, USA. You can find it in the beautiful Olympic National Park, northeast of a tall peak called Mount Anderson.
This glacier starts high up in the mountains, about 5,700 feet (1,737 meters) above sea level. It sits in a dip, or "saddle," between Mount Anderson and another peak called East Peak.
What is a Glacier?
A glacier is like a very slow-moving river of ice. It forms when snow falls and builds up over many years. The snow gets packed down and turns into thick ice. Glaciers move very slowly, carving out valleys and shaping the land around them.
Hanging Glacier's Location
Hanging Glacier is part of the amazing natural landscape of the Olympic National Park. This park is famous for its wild mountains, deep forests, and, of course, its glaciers. The glacier is specifically found in Jefferson County, Washington.
Why is Hanging Glacier Shrinking?
Sadly, Hanging Glacier, like many other glaciers around the world, is getting smaller. Scientists call this "retreating." This means the ice is melting faster than new snow can build up and turn into ice.
All the glaciers in Olympic National Park are currently retreating. This is often due to changes in the Earth's climate, which cause warmer temperatures. When glaciers melt, it can affect local water supplies and the plants and animals that depend on the cold meltwater.
