Sexton Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sexton Glacier |
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 Sexton Glacier
Location in Montana
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Location | Glacier National Park, Glacier County, Montana, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 48°42′06″N 113°38′06″W / 48.70167°N 113.63500°W |
| Area | Approximately 68 acres (0.28 km2) in 2005 |
| Terminus | Barren rock |
| Status | Retreating |
Sexton Glacier is a beautiful ice formation found in Glacier National Park in the U.S. state of Montana. This glacier is like a giant, slow-moving river of ice. It sits high up in the mountains, surrounded by amazing peaks.
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What is Sexton Glacier?
Sexton Glacier is a type of mountain glacier. It is located in a bowl-shaped area called a cirque. This cirque is found north of Going-to-the-Sun Mountain. It is also on the southeast side of Matahpi Peak. The glacier is very high up, between 7,000 and 8,000 feet (about 2,100 to 2,400 meters) above sea level. Imagine being that high!
Size and Changes
In 2005, Sexton Glacier covered an area of about 68 acres. That's like 50 football fields! However, this glacier is getting smaller. Between 1966 and 2005, it lost more than 30 percent of its ice. This means a big part of the glacier melted away. Scientists study glaciers like Sexton to understand how our planet is changing.
Why are Glaciers Important?
Glaciers are very important for many reasons. They store a lot of fresh water. When they melt slowly, they provide water for rivers and streams. This water is used by plants, animals, and even people. Glaciers also help us understand Earth's climate history. The ice holds clues about past temperatures and atmospheres.
Glaciers in Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is famous for its many glaciers. However, most of these glaciers are shrinking. Scientists are watching them closely. The melting of glaciers can affect the plants and animals that live in the park. It also changes the beautiful landscapes.
