Table Mountain Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Table Mountain Glacier |
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 Table Mountain Glacier
Location in Washington (state)
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| Type | Cirque glacier |
| Coordinates | 48°51′00″N 121°42′26″W / 48.85000°N 121.70722°W |
| Length | 600 ft (180 m) |
| Terminus | Barren rock/Proglacial lake |
| Status | Retreating |
The Table Mountain Glacier is a small but important glacier found in the Snoqualmie National Forest in the U.S. state of Washington. It sits on the north side of Table Mountain. This glacier is less than half a mile (0.50 mi) west of a spot called Artist Point.
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What is a Glacier?
A glacier is a huge body of ice that moves very slowly over land. Think of it like a giant, slow-moving river made of ice! Glaciers form when snow falls in one place and does not melt for many years. Each new layer of snow presses down on the layers below it. This pressure turns the snow into ice. Over time, the ice becomes so thick and heavy that it starts to flow.
Types of Glaciers
There are different kinds of glaciers. The Table Mountain Glacier is a cirque glacier. A cirque glacier forms in a bowl-shaped hollow on the side of a mountain. This hollow is called a cirque. It's like a natural armchair carved into the mountain by the ice itself.
Where is Table Mountain Glacier Located?
Table Mountain Glacier is in the beautiful mountains of Washington state. It is part of the Cascade Range, a chain of mountains that runs through western North America. The glacier is specifically located in Whatcom County, Washington. This area is known for its stunning natural beauty and many outdoor activities.
Important Features Nearby
The glacier is found on the east side of Table Mountain. It is also quite close to Artist Point, a popular spot for hikers and sightseers. The area around the glacier is part of the Snoqualmie National Forest. This forest is a protected area. It is home to many different plants and animals.
How Glaciers Change Over Time
Glaciers are always changing. They can grow bigger when more snow falls than melts. They can also shrink, or retreat, when more ice melts than is added by new snow. The Table Mountain Glacier is currently retreating. This means it is getting smaller.
Why Glaciers Retreat
Many things can cause a glacier to retreat. Warmer temperatures are a big reason. If the air gets warmer, more ice will melt. Less snowfall can also make a glacier shrink. Scientists study glaciers like Table Mountain Glacier to understand how our planet's climate is changing.
