Reid Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Reid Glacier |
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Reid Glacier
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Location | Hoonah-Angoon Census Area, Alaska, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 58°46′27″N 136°48′23″W / 58.77417°N 136.80639°W |
| Length | 11 miles (18 km) |
| Terminus | sealevel |
| Status | retreating |
Reid Glacier is a huge river of ice found in the amazing state of Alaska in the United States. It stretches for about 11 miles (18 kilometers) and is a special part of Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. This incredible glacier was named after a scientist called Harry Fielding Reid.
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About Reid Glacier
Reid Glacier is a long, flowing mass of ice. It moves slowly from high up in the mountains down towards the sea. This type of glacier is often called a "mountain glacier" because it forms in mountain valleys.
Where is Reid Glacier Located?
You can find Reid Glacier in a beautiful part of Alaska. It is in the Hoonah–Angoon Census Area. The glacier flows north into a place called Reid Inlet. This inlet is part of the famous Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. The park is known for its many glaciers and stunning natural beauty. Reid Glacier is about two miles (3 km) south of the main Glacier Bay area. It is also about 72 miles (116 km) northwest of a town called Hoonah.
How Big is This Glacier?
Reid Glacier is quite large, measuring 11 miles (18 km) long. Imagine walking that far! It is like a slow-moving ice highway. Glaciers like Reid Glacier are always moving, even if it's too slow for us to see. They can carve out valleys and shape the land over thousands of years. Scientists study glaciers to understand how our planet's climate is changing.
Who Was Harry Fielding Reid?
Reid Glacier was named in honor of Harry Fielding Reid. He was an important American geophysicist. A geophysicist is a scientist who studies the Earth using physics. Reid was known for his work on glaciers and earthquakes.
The glacier was named by members of the Harriman Alaska Expedition. This was a famous trip that happened in 1899. Scientists, artists, and naturalists traveled to Alaska to study its wildlife and landscapes. They explored many areas, including Glacier Bay. During their expedition, they named many features, including this glacier, to honor important people in science.
Glaciers in Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a very special place. It is home to many glaciers, just like Reid Glacier. These glaciers are remnants of a much larger ice sheet that covered this area long ago. The park is a great place to see how glaciers shape the land. You can often see icebergs breaking off the glaciers and floating in the water. This process is called "calving."
Many of the glaciers in Glacier Bay, including Reid Glacier, are currently "retreating." This means they are getting shorter and thinner over time. Scientists watch these changes closely to learn about the Earth's climate.
