S Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids S Glacier |
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 S Glacier
Location in Washington (state)
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Location | Chelan County, Washington, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 48°26′28″N 121°01′24″W / 48.44111°N 121.02333°W |
| Length | .70 mi (1.13 km) |
| Terminus | Barren rock and icefall |
| Status | Retreating |
S Glacier is a fascinating natural ice formation located in North Cascades National Park in the U.S. state of Washington. You can find it on the east side of Hurry-up Peak. This glacier is not one continuous sheet of ice. Instead, it's broken into several parts.
The highest parts of S Glacier end in what are called icefalls. These are like frozen waterfalls where the ice breaks apart as it flows over steep cliffs. The lower sections of the glacier finish in a pile of broken rocks and debris called talus. From its highest point to its lowest, the glacier drops a total of about 7,600 feet down to 5,500 feet. Another glacier, Yawning Glacier, is located about 0.75 miles to the north.
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What is S Glacier?
S Glacier is a type of mountain glacier. These glaciers form in high mountain areas where snow falls and builds up over many years. As more snow piles on top, the snow underneath gets compressed and turns into ice. This ice then slowly flows downhill due to gravity.
Where is S Glacier Located?
S Glacier is found in the beautiful North Cascades National Park. This park is in Washington state, known for its rugged mountains and many glaciers. The park is a protected area, meaning its natural features, like S Glacier, are preserved for everyone to enjoy.
How Big is S Glacier?
S Glacier is about 0.70 miles long. While it might not be the biggest glacier, its journey down the mountain is quite impressive. It descends from an elevation of about 7,600 feet down to 5,500 feet. This means it drops over 2,000 feet in elevation!
Why is S Glacier Important?
Glaciers like S Glacier are important for several reasons. They are natural reservoirs, storing water as ice. When the ice melts, it provides fresh water to rivers and streams, which is important for plants, animals, and even people living downstream.
Glaciers also act like giant thermometers. Scientists study them to understand how Earth's climate is changing. S Glacier is currently described as "retreating." This means it is getting smaller over time. When glaciers retreat, it can be a sign that temperatures are getting warmer.
