Spider Glacier (Phelps Ridge, Washington) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spider Glacier |
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 Spider Glacier
Location in Washington (state)
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Location | Chelan County, Washington, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 48°09′51″N 120°52′51″W / 48.16417°N 120.88083°W |
| Length | .50 mi (0.80 km) |
| Terminus | Talus |
| Status | Retreating |
Spider Glacier is a glacier found in the Wenatchee National Forest in Washington, U.S. It is located east of Phelps Ridge. This glacier is about .50 mi (0.80 km) long. However, it is very thin, only about 50 ft (15 m) wide. Spider Glacier is also about .50 mi (0.80 km) southeast of Lyman Glacier.
It's important not to confuse this Spider Glacier with another one nearby. That other glacier is called Spider Glacier (Spider Mountain, Washington).
Contents
What is a Glacier?
A glacier is a huge body of ice that moves very slowly. It forms over many years from layers of snow that get packed down. These layers turn into ice. Glaciers are often called "rivers of ice." They can be found in mountains or near the Earth's poles.
How Glaciers Form
Glaciers start when more snow falls in winter than melts in summer. This snow builds up year after year. The weight of the new snow presses down on the old snow. This pressure turns the snow into hard ice. Over time, the ice becomes so heavy that it starts to slide. It moves slowly downhill due to gravity.
Different Types of Glaciers
There are different kinds of glaciers. Some are large ice sheets that cover huge areas. Others are smaller mountain glaciers. Spider Glacier is a mountain glacier. These glaciers are found in high mountain ranges. They often flow down valleys.
Spider Glacier's Location and Shape
Spider Glacier is in the North Cascades mountain range. This area is known for its many glaciers. The glacier's long, narrow shape is quite unique. It looks a bit like a spider's leg, which might be how it got its name.
Where is Wenatchee National Forest?
The Wenatchee National Forest is a large forest area. It is located in the state of Washington. This forest is home to many mountains, lakes, and rivers. It is also where Spider Glacier is found. The forest provides a natural home for many plants and animals.
The Status of Spider Glacier
The infobox for Spider Glacier says its status is "retreating." This means the glacier is getting smaller. It is melting faster than new snow and ice can build up. Many glaciers around the world are retreating. This is often due to changes in climate.
Why Glaciers Retreat
When temperatures rise, glaciers melt more quickly. Less snow may fall in winter, too. This means the glacier loses more ice than it gains. Over time, the glacier shrinks. This can affect local water supplies. It can also impact the plants and animals that rely on the glacier's meltwater.
