Pumpelly Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pumpelly Glacier |
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 Pumpelly Glacier
Location in Montana
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Location | Glacier National Park, Flathead County, Montana, United States |
| Coordinates | 48°35′00″N 113°39′33″W / 48.58333°N 113.65917°W |
| Area | Pumpelly and Pumpkin Glaciers combined cover 310 acres (1.3 km2) in 2005 |
| Length | .50 mi (0.80 km) |
| Terminus | Barren rock |
| Status | Retreating |
The Pumpelly Glacier is a cool natural ice formation. It is found in Glacier National Park. This park is located in the state of Montana in the United States.
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About Pumpelly Glacier
Pumpelly Glacier is a type of mountain glacier. It sits high up on a mountain. The glacier is northeast of a peak called Blackfoot Mountain. Its elevation is between 8,000 and 8,500 feet above sea level. That's like being on top of a very tall building!
Where is Pumpelly Glacier?
This glacier is just west of the Continental Divide. The Continental Divide is like a big line across North America. It separates which way rivers flow. Rivers on one side flow to the Atlantic Ocean. Rivers on the other side flow to the Pacific Ocean.
Pumpelly Glacier is also right next to another glacier. This one is called Pumpkin Glacier. The two glaciers are separated by deep cracks in the ice. These cracks are called crevasses.
Who is Pumpelly Glacier named after?
The glacier got its name from a person named Raphael Pumpelly. He was an explorer. He was the first person to see this glacier. That happened way back in 1883.
How Big is Pumpelly Glacier?
Pumpelly Glacier and Pumpkin Glacier are often talked about together. In 2005, both glaciers covered a total of 310 acres. That's about 1.25 square kilometers. To give you an idea, 310 acres is like 235 football fields!
Is the Glacier Changing?
The size of these glaciers has been getting smaller. Since 1966, their total area has shrunk by 15 percent. This means the glaciers are "retreating." Retreating means they are melting and getting smaller over time. Scientists watch glaciers like Pumpelly to learn more about our planet's climate.
