Mazama Glacier (Mount Baker) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mazama Glacier |
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 Mazama Glacier
Location in Washington (state)
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Coordinates | 48°48′13″N 121°48′04″W / 48.80361°N 121.80111°W |
| Length | 1.5 mi (2.4 km) |
| Terminus | Moraine/talus |
| Status | Retreating |
Mazama Glacier is a large river of ice located on Mount Baker. This tall mountain is part of the North Cascades mountain range. You can find it in the state of Washington in the USA.
Glaciers are like very slow-moving rivers made of ice. They form when snow piles up over many years and turns into ice. Then, the ice slowly flows downhill.
Where is Mazama Glacier Located?
Mazama Glacier sits on the northern side of Mount Baker. It is surrounded by other glaciers. To its south, you will find the Park Glacier. To the east, it is next to the Rainbow Glacier.
How Has Mazama Glacier Changed Over Time?
Glaciers can grow bigger or shrink over time. When a glacier gets smaller, it is called "retreating." When it grows bigger, it is called "advancing."
Retreat and Advance of Mazama Glacier
Scientists have been watching Mazama Glacier for many years. Here is what they have learned:
- From 1850 to 1950, the glacier retreated a lot. It shrank by about 7,700 feet. That is almost one and a half miles!
- Then, from 1950 to 1979, the weather became cooler and wetter. This helped the glacier grow. It advanced about 1,476 feet during this time.
- However, from 1980 to 2006, the glacier started to shrink again. It retreated by about 1,509 feet. This means it lost all the ice it had gained and even more.
Today, Mazama Glacier is still retreating. This means it is getting smaller.
