Inspiration Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Inspiration Glacier |
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 Inspiration Glacier
Location in Washington (state)
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Location | North Cascades National Park, Skagit County, Washington, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 48°32′05″N 121°07′02″W / 48.53472°N 121.11722°W |
| Length | 1.5 mi (2.4 km) |
| Terminus | Icefall/barren rock |
| Status | Retreating |
The Inspiration Glacier is a large sheet of ice found high up in the mountains. It sits on the eastern side of Eldorado Peak. This peak is located within the beautiful North Cascades National Park in the state of Washington, U.S. Glaciers like Inspiration Glacier are huge, slow-moving rivers of ice. They form over many years from layers of snow that get packed down.
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About Inspiration Glacier
Inspiration Glacier is a mountain glacier. This means it forms in high mountain areas. It is a key part of the natural landscape in the North Cascades. The glacier helps shape the mountains around it. It also provides water to the streams and lakes below.
Where is Inspiration Glacier?
Inspiration Glacier is found in the North Cascades National Park. This park is in Skagit County, Washington. The glacier is specifically on the east slopes of Eldorado Peak. It is a very remote and wild area.
How Big is Inspiration Glacier?
This glacier is quite large. It measures about 1.5 mi (2.4 km) in length. At its widest point, called its terminus (the end of the glacier), it is about 2 mi (3.2 km) wide. The glacier stretches from an elevation of about 8,500 ft (2,600 m) down to 6,800 ft (2,100 m). This means it covers a big change in height.
What is Around Inspiration Glacier?
Inspiration Glacier lies in a special bowl-shaped area. This area is called a cirque. A cirque is like a natural amphitheater carved by the glacier itself.
- To the west of the glacier is Eldorado Peak.
- To the northwest, you can see a sharp, narrow ridge of rock. This ridge is called an arête. It is known as Tepeh Towers.
- To the northeast, you will find Klawatti Peak.
Connections to Other Glaciers
Inspiration Glacier is not alone. It is connected to other glaciers nearby.
- To the south, it joins with the Eldorado Glacier.
- To the north, it is partly separated from the McAllister Glacier. The Tepeh Towers arête helps to divide these two glaciers.
What Happens to its Water?
As the glacier slowly melts, its water flows away. These meltwaters from Inspiration Glacier travel into a nearby body of water. They flow into Moraine Lake. This lake is an important part of the local ecosystem.
Why Glaciers are Important
Glaciers like Inspiration Glacier are very important. They act like giant frozen reservoirs. They store water as ice and release it slowly during warmer months. This meltwater feeds rivers and streams. It provides water for plants, animals, and even people. Scientists also study glaciers to understand changes in the Earth's climate. Inspiration Glacier is currently "retreating." This means it is getting smaller over time.
