McCarty Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids McCarty Glacier |
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|---|---|
| Type | Tidewater glacier |
| Location | Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 59°46′12″N 150°13′15″W / 59.77000°N 150.22083°W |
| Area | 15 miles2 (24.6 km2) |
| Length | 10 miles (16.3 km) |
| Terminus | McCarty Fiord |
| Status | Retreating |
The McCarty Glacier is a huge river of ice found in Alaska, a state in the United States. It is a special type of glacier called a tidewater glacier. This means it flows all the way into the ocean. McCarty Glacier is part of the large Harding Icefield in the Kenai Mountains, which are on the Kenai Peninsula.
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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 piles up and gets compressed into thick ice. Glaciers move because of gravity, slowly sliding down mountains or across land.
Tidewater Glaciers Explained
A tidewater glacier is a glacier that flows directly into a body of water, like a fiord or the ocean. When the ice reaches the water, large chunks can break off. This process is called "calving." These broken pieces become icebergs. McCarty Glacier calves into McCarty Fiord.
Where is McCarty Glacier Located?
McCarty Glacier is in the south-central part of Alaska. It is specifically located on the Kenai Peninsula. This peninsula is famous for its beautiful natural areas, including mountains, forests, and many glaciers. The glacier is part of the massive Harding Icefield, which is one of the largest icefields in North America.
The Harding Icefield
The Harding Icefield is a huge area of ice that covers about 700 square miles (1,800 km2). It feeds many glaciers, including McCarty Glacier. This icefield is a leftover from the last Ice age. It sits high in the Kenai Mountains.
Who Was William McCarty?
The McCarty Glacier is named after a person named William McCarty. He used to live in a town called Seward, which is also on the Kenai Peninsula. Naming natural features after important local people is a common practice.
Why is McCarty Glacier Changing?
Sadly, McCarty Glacier has been shrinking a lot. Since the early 1900s, the end of the glacier, called its terminus, has moved back about 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from the mouth of the bay. This means it has gotten much shorter.
The Impact of Global Warming
Scientists believe that the shrinking of McCarty Glacier is mainly due to global warming. Global warming is the long-term heating of Earth's climate system. This is caused by human activities, especially burning fossil fuels. When the Earth's temperature rises, glaciers and ice sheets melt faster than they can grow. This causes them to shrink.
How Glaciers Show Climate Change
Glaciers like McCarty Glacier are very important for scientists. They act like giant thermometers. When glaciers melt quickly, it's a clear sign that the Earth's climate is getting warmer. Studying these changes helps scientists understand how our planet is changing.
Importance of Glaciers
Glaciers are more than just big chunks of ice. They are important for several reasons:
- Freshwater Storage: Glaciers store a lot of the world's freshwater. When they melt slowly, they provide water for rivers and streams.
- Ecosystems: The meltwater from glaciers supports unique plants and animals.
- Climate Indicators: As mentioned, they help scientists track changes in the Earth's climate.
