Hubbard Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hubbard Glacier |
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False color image of the Hubbard Glacier
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| Type | Tidewater/Mountain glacier AKA Valley Glacier |
| Location | Yakutat City and Borough, Alaska, U.S.; Yukon, Canada |
| Coordinates | 60°18′50″N 139°22′15″W / 60.31389°N 139.37083°W |
| Length | 122 kilometres (76 mi) |
| Terminus | Sealevel |
| Status | Advancing |
The Hubbard Glacier is a huge glacier found in eastern Alaska and a small part of Yukon, Canada. It was named after Gardiner Hubbard. This glacier is known for moving forward, or "advancing," over time.
The longest part of the Hubbard Glacier starts about 122 kilometres (76 mi) away from its end, high up in the mountains. Another smaller glacier, called Valerie Glacier, joins the Hubbard Glacier before it reaches the sea. The ice from Valerie Glacier helps push the Hubbard Glacier forward.
Contents
How Hubbard Glacier Moves and Changes
The Hubbard Glacier has been moving forward for about 100 years. This movement can sometimes block the water flow in nearby areas.
Blocking Russell Fjord
In May 1986, the Hubbard Glacier moved forward so much that it blocked the entrance to Russell Fjord. This created a new lake called "Russell Lake." The lake filled up with water from melting ice and rain. Its water level rose by 25 metres (82 ft). This made the water less salty, which was a danger to the sea animals living there.
The Great Flood of 1986
Around midnight on October 8, 1986, the ice dam holding back Russell Lake broke. Over the next 24 hours, a huge amount of water, about 5.3 cubic kilometres (1.3 cu mi), rushed out. This reconnected the fjord to the ocean. This event was one of the biggest glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) ever recorded. The amount of water that flowed out was like 35 Niagara Falls flowing at once!
Recent Glacier Movements
In spring 2002, the glacier again moved very close to Bert Point. It pushed a pile of rocks and dirt, called a moraine, in front of it. This moraine closed off the opening again in July.
On August 14, 2002, heavy rains caused the water level behind the moraine to rise. The moraine then washed away, and the fjord opened up again.
Future Changes and Risks
Scientists think the fjord could become blocked again, maybe even permanently. If this happens, the water from the fjord might overflow its southern banks. It could then drain through the Situk River. This would be a problem for trout living in the river and could also affect a local airport.
Ice Age and Icebergs
It takes about 400 years for ice to travel from the top of the glacier to its end. This means the ice you see at the front of the glacier is about 400 years old!
The Hubbard Glacier often breaks off huge pieces of ice, called icebergs. These icebergs can be as tall as a ten-story building. Most of the glacier's ice is actually below the water. When new icebergs break off, they can shoot up out of the water very quickly. Because of this, ships must stay far away from the glacier's edge in Disenchantment Bay to be safe.
Images for kids
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The Hubbard Glacier in Disenchantment Bay, Alaska In June of 2022
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The glacier from a distance
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Holland America Line's MS Oosterdam passing Turner Glacier while leaving Disenchantment Bay
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Hubbard Glacier and icebergs formed by calving
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Closeup of Hubbard Glacier
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The glacier relatively close
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Panoramic view
See also
In Spanish: Glaciar Hubbard para niños
