Old Sun Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Old Sun Glacier |
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Old Sun Glacier is the prominent snowfield in the background on the north slope of Mount Merritt at center
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 Old Sun Glacier
Location in Montana
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Location | Glacier National Park, Glacier County, Montana, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 48°52′21″N 113°46′38″W / 48.87250°N 113.77722°W |
| Area | Approximately 91 acres (0.37 km2) in 2005 |
| Length | .30 mi (0.48 km) |
| Terminus | Rockfall |
| Status | Retreating |
Old Sun Glacier is a large ice mass found in Glacier National Park in the state of Montana, U.S.. This glacier sits on the eastern and northeastern sides of Mount Merritt. It is very high up, between about 8,600 and 9,400 feet (2,620 to 2,865 meters) above sea level.
The glacier got its name from a special priest of the Blackfoot people. His name was "Ntas," which means "Old Sun." Old Sun Glacier has many deep cracks called crevasses. It also has a healthy accumulation zone, which is where new snow falls and turns into ice. However, Old Sun Glacier is getting smaller. Between 1966 and 2005, it lost about 12 percent of its total surface area.
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What is a Glacier?
A glacier is a huge body of ice that moves very slowly over land. Glaciers form when snow falls in one place for many years and does not melt completely. The layers of snow get pressed down and turn into ice. Over time, this ice becomes so heavy that it starts to flow like a very slow river.
Types of Glaciers
There are different kinds of glaciers. Old Sun Glacier is a mountain glacier. These glaciers form in high mountain areas. They often flow down valleys, shaping the land as they go. Other types include ice sheets, which are much larger and cover entire continents, like in Antarctica.
Where is Old Sun Glacier Located?
Old Sun Glacier is in the northern part of Glacier National Park. This park is famous for its beautiful mountains, lakes, and, of course, its glaciers. The glacier is specifically found in Glacier County, Montana. It sits right next to Mount Merritt, one of the park's tall peaks.
The Name "Old Sun"
The name "Old Sun" comes from the Blackfoot people. They are a group of Native American tribes who have lived in this region for a very long time. "Ntas" was a respected sun priest among them. Naming the glacier after him honors the history and culture of the Blackfoot people in this area.
What's Happening to Old Sun Glacier?
Old Sun Glacier is currently retreating. This means it is melting faster than new snow and ice can build up. When a glacier retreats, its edges move back, and it gets smaller.
Crevasses and Accumulation Zone
- Crevasses: These are deep cracks in the ice of a glacier. They form when the glacier moves over uneven ground or when different parts of the ice move at different speeds. Crevasses can be very dangerous for people walking on glaciers.
- Accumulation Zone: This is the upper part of a glacier where snow builds up and turns into ice. It's where the glacier gains mass. For a glacier to stay healthy, its accumulation zone needs to get enough new snow each year to make up for the ice that melts lower down.
Glacier Retreat
The fact that Old Sun Glacier lost 12 percent of its surface area between 1966 and 2005 shows it is shrinking. Many glaciers around the world are also retreating. Scientists study glaciers like Old Sun Glacier to understand how Earth's climate is changing.
