Lerchenfeld Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lerchenfeld Glacier |
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 Location in Antarctica
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| Location | Coats Land |
| Coordinates | 77°55′S 34°15′W / 77.917°S 34.250°W |
| Thickness | unknown |
| Terminus | Schweitzer Glacier |
| Status | unknown |
Lerchenfeld Glacier is a huge river of ice located in Antarctica. It flows towards the northwest, moving slowly between two land areas called Bertrab Nunatak and the Littlewood Nunataks. This glacier eventually joins up with another large glacier, the Schweitzer Glacier. Together, they flow into a part of the ocean called Vahsel Bay.
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What is a Glacier?
A glacier is like a very slow-moving river made of ice. It forms over many years as snow falls and gets packed down. This packed snow turns into ice. Glaciers are found in places where it is very cold all year round. This includes high mountains and polar regions like Antarctica.
Glaciers are important because they store a lot of the world's fresh water. They also help scientists study Earth's climate history.
Where is Lerchenfeld Glacier Located?
Lerchenfeld Glacier is found in a part of Antarctica called Coats Land. Antarctica is the coldest continent on Earth. It is almost completely covered in ice. The glacier's exact location is at 77 degrees 55 minutes South and 34 degrees 15 minutes West. This is deep in the icy continent.
The glacier flows between two nunataks. A nunatak is a rocky peak that sticks out above a glacier or ice sheet. Think of it like an island in a sea of ice!
How Lerchenfeld Glacier Was Discovered
Lerchenfeld Glacier was discovered a long time ago, between 1911 and 1912. It was found by a group of explorers from Germany. This group was on an adventure called the Second German Antarctic Expedition.
The leader of this expedition was a man named Wilhelm Filchner. He was a brave explorer who led his team through the harsh Antarctic landscape.
Naming the Glacier
Wilhelm Filchner decided to name this new glacier after a person who helped his expedition. The glacier was named after Count Hugo von und zu Lerchenfeld-Köfering. Count Lerchenfeld was a "supporter" of the expedition. This means he helped by providing money or other important things to make the journey possible. It was a way to thank him for his help in exploring Antarctica.
