Jenkins Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jenkins Glacier |
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 Location in South Georgia Island
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| Location | South Georgia |
| Coordinates | 54°46′S 36°7′W / 54.767°S 36.117°W |
| Thickness | unknown |
| Terminus | Drygalski Fjord |
| Status | unknown |
Jenkins Glacier is a large, slow-moving river of ice located on South Georgia. This island is in the southern part of the Atlantic Ocean. The glacier flows towards the east and ends in a deep inlet of the sea called Drygalski Fjord. It is found close to another glacier, the Risting Glacier, in the southeastern part of the island.
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What is Jenkins Glacier?
Jenkins Glacier is a type of glacier, which is a huge mass of ice that moves very slowly over land. Think of it like a frozen river! Glaciers form in places where snow falls and builds up over many years. The weight of new snow presses down on older snow, turning it into ice. This ice then starts to flow downhill because of gravity.
Where is Jenkins Glacier Located?
Jenkins Glacier is on South Georgia, a remote island in the Southern Ocean. This island is known for its rugged, mountainous landscape and its many glaciers. South Georgia is part of a larger territory called South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. It's a very cold place, perfect for glaciers to form and survive.
How Does a Glacier Move?
Glaciers move incredibly slowly, often just a few feet per day. This movement is called "glacial flow." The ice flows because of its own weight and the pull of gravity. As the glacier moves, it can carve out valleys and fjords, like the Drygalski Fjord where Jenkins Glacier ends. The end of a glacier, where it meets the sea or melts, is called its terminus.
How Did Jenkins Glacier Get Its Name?
The naming of Jenkins Glacier has an interesting story! It was first named by the Second German Antarctic Expedition, which explored the area between 1911 and 1912. The leader of this expedition was Wilhelm Filchner. They originally named the glacier after Erich von Drygalski, a famous German geographer.
Why Was the Name Changed?
Later, it was discovered that there was already another glacier named Drygalski Glacier in a different part of Antarctica, called Graham Land. To avoid confusion, the UK Antarctic Place-Names Committee decided in 1957 that a new name was needed for the glacier in South Georgia.
Who is James Travis Jenkins?
The glacier was then renamed Jenkins Glacier. It was named after James Travis Jenkins. He was an important author who wrote books about whaling and the history of whale fishing. His works include A History of the Whale Fisheries and Bibliography of Whaling. This new name helps honor his contributions to understanding the history of the seas around places like South Georgia.
