Muldrow Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Muldrow Glacier |
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Kantishna Region Geologic map showing the location of the glacier
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| Type | Valley glacier |
| Location | Denali Borough, Alaska, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 63°15′38″N 150°26′14″W / 63.26056°N 150.43722°W |
The Muldrow Glacier, sometimes called the McKinley Glacier, is a very large glacier located in Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska, U.S.. A glacier is like a slow-moving river of ice. This impressive glacier starts high up on the east side of Denali, which is North America's tallest mountain.
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What is Muldrow Glacier?
The Muldrow Glacier is a type of valley glacier. This means it flows down through a valley, much like a river. It is one of the most important glaciers in the Denali area because of its size and how it moves. Glaciers are important because they help shape the land and are a big part of the Earth's water cycle.
Where is Muldrow Glacier Located?
This huge ice river is found entirely within Denali National Park and Preserve. This park is a wild and beautiful place in the state of Alaska. The glacier begins from the Great Icefall of Harper Glacier, which is on the eastern side of Denali. Denali is a famous mountain that attracts many visitors.
How Does Muldrow Glacier Move?
The Muldrow Glacier generally flows towards the east. As it moves, it collects ice from other smaller glaciers. These smaller glaciers are called tributary glaciers, similar to how smaller rivers join a larger one. The Traleika Glacier and Brooks Glacier are two examples of glaciers that join the Muldrow. After flowing east, the Muldrow Glacier then turns north. It eventually flows out of the Alaska Range mountains and becomes the starting point, or source, of the McKinley River.
Who Named Muldrow Glacier?
The Muldrow Glacier was officially named in 1902 by a person named Alfred Hulse Brooks. He was a geologist who explored Alaska. Brooks named the glacier to honor Robert Muldrow, who was a topographer for the U.S. Geological Survey. A topographer is someone who maps the features of the land. The local Native people have their own names for the glacier, including Henteel No' Loo' and Henteel No' Loot.
