Park Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Park Glacier |
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![]() Park Glacier on Mount Baker
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Type | Mountain glacier |
Coordinates | 48°47′12″N 121°47′48″W / 48.78667°N 121.79667°W |
Length | 2.5 mi (4.0 km) |
Terminus | Icefall/cliffs |
Status | Retreating |
Park Glacier is a cool river of ice found on the northeast side of Mount Baker. Mount Baker is a large volcano in the North Cascades mountain range. This area is located in the U.S. state of Washington.
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Park Glacier: A Mountain of Ice
Park Glacier is a type of glacier called a mountain glacier. These glaciers form high up in mountains where snow and ice build up over many years. They slowly flow downhill due to gravity.
Where is Park Glacier Located?
Park Glacier is found on the slopes of Mount Baker. This mountain is in Whatcom County, Washington, in the USA. It is part of the beautiful North Cascades mountain range.
What Does Park Glacier Look Like?
This glacier stretches for about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers). It flows down the mountain, reaching different heights. Along its eastern edge, Park Glacier drops off at a place called the Park Cliffs. These cliffs are about 6,200 feet (1,890 meters) high.
The northern part of the glacier goes even lower. It reaches almost 4,500 feet (1,370 meters) in elevation. This lower part is below the Park Cliffs and a ridge called Lava Divide.
How is Park Glacier Connected to Other Glaciers?
In the middle of its path, Park Glacier is connected to two other glaciers. To its north, it meets Rainbow Glacier. To its south, it connects with Boulder Glacier. This shows how many glaciers can be linked together in a mountain range.
Is Park Glacier Changing?
The infobox tells us that Park Glacier is currently "retreating." This means the glacier is getting smaller over time. Many glaciers around the world are retreating due to changes in climate. Scientists study glaciers like Park Glacier to understand more about our planet's environment.