Tazlina Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tazlina Glacier |
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| Type | Valley glacier |
| Location | Valdez–Cordova Census Area, Alaska, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 61°28′51″N 146°35′41″W / 61.48083°N 146.59472°W |
| Length | 25 miles (40 km) |
| Terminus | outwash plains |
| Status | retreating |
The Tazlina Glacier is a huge river of ice found in Alaska, a state in the United States. This amazing glacier stretches for about 25 miles (40 kilometers). That's like walking for a very long time!
It starts its journey about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) north of a place called Mount Cashman. From there, it slowly moves north. It ends about one mile (1.6 km) south of Tazlina Lake and 43 miles (69 km) north of the city of Valdez.
Contents
Discovering Tazlina Glacier
Tazlina Glacier is special because it's the biggest glacier that flows north in the Chugach Mountains. These mountains are a large range in Alaska.
What is a Glacier?
A glacier is like a giant, slow-moving river made of ice. It forms over many years as snow piles up and gets pressed into thick ice. Glaciers are very powerful and can shape the land around them.
Where is it Located?
This glacier is found in the Valdez–Cordova Census Area, Alaska. It's a popular spot for people who visit the Valdez area. Many tourists come to see its impressive size and beauty.
The Glacier's Journey
As the Tazlina Glacier moves, it creates a path. At the end of the glacier, you'll find Tazlina Lake and the Tazlina River. These bodies of water are fed by the melting ice from the glacier.
Is the Glacier Changing?
Scientists have observed that the end of the Tazlina Glacier, called its terminus, is getting smaller. It is also becoming thinner. This means the glacier is slowly retreating, or moving backward. This is a common change seen in many glaciers around the world.
