Robson Glacier facts for kids
The Robson Glacier is a large ice river located in the beautiful Mount Robson Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada. It sits on the side of Mount Robson, which is the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. This glacier is super important because it's the main source of water for the short Robson River. This river then flows into the much bigger Fraser River, which is one of Canada's longest rivers!
The Robson Glacier is special because it's right on the border between British Columbia and Alberta. It's also on the Continental Divide, which is like a giant line across North America. On one side, water flows to the Pacific Ocean, and on the other, it flows to the Atlantic or Arctic Oceans.
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What is the Robson Glacier?
A glacier is like a huge, slow-moving river of ice. It forms when snow falls and piles up over many years. The snow gets packed down and turns into ice. The Robson Glacier is one of these amazing ice formations. It's found on the northeast side of Mount Robson, a very famous peak.
The glacier's meltwater creates a lake that isn't officially named, but people often call it Robson Lake. The water flowing out of this lake is the very beginning of the Robson River.
Where is the Robson Glacier Located?
The Robson Glacier is high up in the mountains, specifically on the northeast side of Mount Robson. This mountain is part of the stunning Canadian Rockies. The glacier is also very close to Berg Lake, a beautiful lake known for its icebergs.
It's located inside Mount Robson Provincial Park, which is a protected area. This park is famous for its tall mountains, clear lakes, and amazing wildlife.
Water for the Fraser River
The water from the melting Robson Glacier is vital. It feeds the Robson River, which is a small but important stream. This river then joins other streams and rivers to become a major tributary of the mighty Fraser River.
The Fraser River is a huge river that flows all the way across British Columbia to the Pacific Ocean. So, in a way, the water from the Robson Glacier helps to fill one of Canada's most important rivers!
Mount Robson Provincial Park
The Robson Glacier is a key feature of Mount Robson Provincial Park. This park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, meaning it's recognized as having special natural importance globally. It's a popular place for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers.
The park is named after Mount Robson, which stands tall at 3,954 meters (12,972 feet). It's a challenging climb for mountaineers, but its beauty can be enjoyed by everyone from a distance.
Exploring the Park
Visitors to Mount Robson Provincial Park can explore many trails. One famous trail leads to Berg Lake, which is fed by glaciers. You can often see small icebergs floating in the lake, even in summer! The park is also home to many animals, like bears, deer, and various birds.
Why are Glaciers Important?
Glaciers like the Robson Glacier are very important for several reasons. They act like giant natural reservoirs, storing huge amounts of fresh water. This water melts slowly over the summer, providing a steady supply for rivers and streams. This is crucial for plants, animals, and even people living downstream.
Glaciers are also important indicators of climate change. When glaciers shrink quickly, it's a sign that the Earth's climate is getting warmer. Scientists study glaciers to understand how our planet is changing.
See also
Images for kids
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Looking up the Robson Glacier to the summit of Mount Robson.
