Helen Glacier facts for kids
Helen Glacier is a large ice mass found in the Wind River Range of Wyoming, USA. It sits on the eastern side of the Continental Divide, which is like a giant natural line that separates where water flows in North America. Helen Glacier is located within the beautiful Fitzpatrick Wilderness area, which is part of the Shoshone National Forest. It's one of many glaciers in this region, making it one of the biggest groups of glaciers in the American Rocky Mountains.
Quick facts for kids Helen Glacier |
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 Helen Glacier
Location in Wyoming
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Coordinates | 43°09′21″N 109°37′01″W / 43.15583°N 109.61694°W |
| Length | 1.2 mi (1.9 km) |
| Terminus | Talus |
| Status | Retreating |
Contents
What is Helen Glacier?
Helen Glacier is a type of mountain glacier. This means it forms in high mountain areas. It's a huge, slow-moving river of ice. This glacier flows towards the east from a bowl-shaped hollow called a cirque. This cirque is located just northeast of a mountain named Mount Helen.
Where is it Located?
Helen Glacier is found in Fremont County, Wyoming. It's part of the northern Wind River Range, which is a tall mountain range in the western United States. The glacier is protected within the Shoshone National Forest, which is one of the oldest national forests in the country. This area is also part of the Fitzpatrick Wilderness, a special place where nature is kept wild and untouched.
The Continental Divide
The Continental Divide is a very important line across North America. It separates the land into two main parts. Water on the east side of the Divide flows towards the Atlantic Ocean. Water on the west side flows towards the Pacific Ocean. Helen Glacier is on the eastern side, so its meltwater eventually makes its way to the Atlantic.
Size and Status
Helen Glacier is quite large for a mountain glacier. It stretches about 1.2 mi (1.9 km) long. This makes it one of the bigger glaciers in the American Rocky Mountains.
Retreating Glacier
The status of Helen Glacier is listed as "retreating." This means the glacier is getting smaller over time. It is melting faster than new snow and ice can build up. Many glaciers around the world are retreating due to changes in climate. Scientists study glaciers like Helen Glacier to understand more about these changes.
Importance of Glaciers
Glaciers are important for several reasons. They store a lot of fresh water in the form of ice. When they melt slowly, they provide water for rivers and streams, especially during dry seasons. This water is vital for plants, animals, and even people living downstream. Glaciers also help scientists learn about Earth's past climates. The ice contains trapped air bubbles and dust that can tell us about conditions thousands of years ago.
