Talum Glaciers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Talum Glaciers |
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 Talum Glaciers
Location in Washington (state)
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Coordinates | 48°45′11″N 121°47′45″W / 48.75306°N 121.79583°W |
| Length | 1.3 mi (2.1 km) |
| Terminus | Talus/Icefall |
| Status | Retreating |
The Talum Glaciers are a group of ice masses found on the southeast side of Mount Baker. This mountain is located in the North Cascades mountain range in the state of Washington, USA. These glaciers are connected to the Squak Glacier which lies to their west.
Glaciers are like very slow-moving rivers of ice. They form over many years as layers of snow pile up, get compressed, and turn into ice. Glaciers are important because they store a lot of the world's fresh water. They also help us understand how the Earth's climate is changing.
Where Are the Talum Glaciers?
The Talum Glaciers are high up on Mount Baker. This mountain is part of the North Cascades in the northwest USA. The glaciers are found in Whatcom County, Washington. They are a key part of the icy landscape around Mount Baker.
How Talum Glaciers Have Changed
Glaciers often change size over time. They can grow larger, which is called "advancing." Or they can shrink, which is called "retreating." The Talum Glaciers have done both.
Between the years 1850 and 1950, the Talum Glaciers became much smaller. They retreated by about 6,479 feet (1.2 miles). This means their edges melted back a long way.
Then, from 1950 to 1979, the weather became cooler and wetter. During this time, the glaciers grew bigger again. They advanced by about 902 feet. This was a period of growth for them.
However, after 1980, the trend changed once more. From 1980 to 2006, the Talum Glaciers started to shrink again. They retreated by another 951 feet. This shows how sensitive glaciers are to changes in temperature and rainfall.
Why Glaciers Change Size
The size of a glacier depends on how much snow falls and how much ice melts. If more snow falls than melts, the glacier grows. If more ice melts than snow falls, the glacier shrinks. Changes in temperature, rainfall, and even sunlight can affect this balance. Scientists study glaciers like the Talum Glaciers to learn more about Earth's climate history and future.
