Ice River Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ice River Glacier |
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 Ice River Glacier
Location in Washington (state)
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Coordinates | 47°49′27″N 123°40′07″W / 47.82417°N 123.66861°W |
| Length | .35 mi (0.56 km) |
| Terminus | Icefall |
The Ice River Glacier is a cool natural wonder found in Olympic National Park in the state of Washington, USA. It's located about 2.4 miles (3.9 km) northeast of Mount Olympus, which is a really tall mountain in the Olympic Mountains. This glacier starts high up at 6,400 feet (2,000 m) on a part of Mount Olympus called Mercury. From there, it slowly flows downhill towards the northwest.
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What is a Glacier?
A glacier is like a giant, slow-moving river of ice. It forms over many, many years when snow falls in the same place and doesn't melt completely. As more snow piles up, it gets packed down tightly. This pressure turns the snow into ice. Glaciers are found in cold places, usually high up in mountains or near the Earth's poles.
How Glaciers Move
Even though they look solid, glaciers are always moving. They flow very slowly, like thick syrup, because of gravity and the weight of the ice. This movement can carve out valleys and shape mountains over thousands of years. The lowest point a glacier reaches is called its terminus. For Ice River Glacier, its terminus is at about 5,200 ft (1,600 m).
Ice River Glacier's Home
Ice River Glacier is part of the amazing Olympic Mountains. This mountain range is known for its beautiful forests, wildlife, and, of course, its glaciers. The glacier is located in Jefferson County, Washington, which is a county in Washington state. Being in Olympic National Park means it's a protected area. This helps keep the glacier and its surroundings safe for future generations to enjoy.
Close Neighbors
Interestingly, Ice River Glacier is very close to another, much bigger glacier called the Blue Glacier. But don't worry, they don't bump into each other! A natural rock wall, called an arête, separates the two glaciers. An arête is a sharp, narrow ridge of rock that forms when two glaciers erode (wear away) rock on opposite sides of a mountain.
Why Glaciers are Important
Glaciers like Ice River Glacier are more than just cool ice formations. They are important for several reasons:
- Water Source: Many glaciers melt slowly during warmer months, providing fresh water for rivers and streams. This water is important for plants, animals, and even people living nearby.
- Climate Clues: Glaciers can tell scientists a lot about Earth's past climate. By studying the ice, they can learn about old temperatures and even what the air was like long ago.
- Unique Ecosystems: Some plants and animals have adapted to live in and around glaciers, creating special ecosystems.
Studying glaciers helps us understand how our planet is changing. Ice River Glacier is a small but important part of the natural beauty and scientific story of the Olympic Mountains.
