Union Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Union Glacier |
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Location of Heritage Range in Western Antarctica.
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 Location in Antarctica
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| Location | Heritage Range |
| Coordinates | 79°45′S 82°30′W / 79.750°S 82.500°W |
| Thickness | unknown |
| Status | unknown |
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Union Glacier (79°45′S 082°30′W / 79.750°S 82.500°W) is a very large river of ice located in Antarctica. It is found in the middle of the Heritage Range, which is part of the Ellsworth Mountains. This glacier is known for having many deep cracks, called crevasses.
Many smaller ice streams flow into Union Glacier, making it even bigger. The glacier starts from a high, flat area called a plateau, near the Edson Hills. From there, it flows east between two areas known as Pioneer Heights and Enterprise Hills.
Discovering and Naming Union Glacier
Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) created detailed maps of Union Glacier. They did this between 1961 and 1966. To make these maps, they used special surveys and photos taken from airplanes by the U.S. Navy (USN).
The name "Union Glacier" was chosen by a group called the Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names (US-ACAN). They picked this name because the glacier is located within the Heritage Range.
Important Places at Union Glacier
Union Glacier is a very important spot in Antarctica. It is home to two special places:
- The Union Glacier Blue-Ice Runway: This is a natural runway made of ice. Airplanes can land here because the ice is very smooth and hard.
- The Union Glacier Camp: This is a private camp that serves as a base for people exploring Antarctica. It provides a place for scientists, adventurers, and tourists to stay.
See also
In Spanish: Glaciar Unión para niños
