Kennicott Glacier facts for kids
The Kennicott Glacier is a giant river of ice found in Alaska, a state in the United States. It is about 43 kilometers (27 miles) long. This amazing glacier flows from Mount Blackburn to the Kennicott River.
It is located inside the beautiful Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. You can find it near the small town of McCarthy, Alaska and the historic ghost town of Kennecott, Alaska.
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Kennicott Glacier
Where is the Kennicott Glacier?
The Kennicott Glacier is in southeastern Alaska. It starts high up on Mount Blackburn. From there, it slowly moves southeast. It ends at the beginning of the Kennicott River. This whole area is part of the huge Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. It is a wild and beautiful place.
How the Kennicott Glacier Got Its Name
The Kennicott Glacier was named in 1899. A geologist named Oscar Rohn gave it this name. He worked for the United States Geological Survey. The glacier was named after Robert Kennicott. Robert Kennicott was an important explorer in Alaska. He also led a science team for the Western Union Telegraph Expedition in 1865.
Fun Facts About Kennicott Glacier
- Inside the glacier, near Mount Blackburn, there is a special island. It is called Packsaddle Island. This island is a "nunatak". A nunatak is a mountain peak that sticks out above a glacier. It is like an island in a sea of ice.
- The Kennicott Glacier is so famous that a ship was named after it! The Alaska Marine Highway has a ferry called the M/V Kennicott.
Images for kids
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A map showing the glacier's location.
