Upper Curtis Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Upper Curtis Glacier |
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Upper Curtis Glacier is on upper slopes of Mount Shuksan at right
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 Upper Curtis Glacier
Location in Washington (state)
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Coordinates | 48°49′46″N 121°36′39″W / 48.82944°N 121.61083°W |
| Length | .40 mi (0.64 km) |
| Terminus | Barren rock/icefall |
| Status | Retreating |
The Upper Curtis Glacier is a cool ice formation located in the North Cascades National Park in Washington, a state in the U.S.. You can find it high up on the western side of Mount Shuksan.
This glacier is special because it's not connected to the Lower Curtis Glacier, which is further down the mountain. However, it is linked to the Hanging Glacier to its north and the Sulphide Glacier to its east. Glaciers like Upper Curtis are important parts of mountain environments.
What is the Upper Curtis Glacier?
The Upper Curtis Glacier is a type of mountain glacier. These glaciers form in high mountain areas. They are basically large, slow-moving rivers of ice. This glacier is found on the slopes of Mount Shuksan, a well-known peak in the North Cascades.
Where is the Upper Curtis Glacier located?
This glacier is located in Whatcom County, Washington. It's part of the beautiful and rugged North Cascades National Park. This park is famous for its many glaciers and tall, jagged mountains. The glacier's exact spot is on the west side of Mount Shuksan.
How big is the Upper Curtis Glacier?
The Upper Curtis Glacier is about 0.40 miles (0.64 kilometers) long. While it might not be the biggest glacier, it's still a significant feature of the mountain. Glaciers can change in size over time, often getting smaller.
How is the Upper Curtis Glacier connected to other glaciers?
The Upper Curtis Glacier is not directly connected to the Lower Curtis Glacier. The Lower Curtis Glacier is located further down the mountain to the southwest. However, the Upper Curtis Glacier is connected to two other glaciers:
- The Hanging Glacier is to the north.
- The Sulphide Glacier is to the east.
These connections mean that the ice from these glaciers might flow into or influence each other.
Why are glaciers important?
Glaciers are very important for several reasons. They store a lot of the world's fresh water. When they melt slowly, they provide water for rivers and streams, which is vital for plants, animals, and people.
What is the status of the Upper Curtis Glacier?
The Upper Curtis Glacier is currently retreating. This means it is getting smaller. Many glaciers around the world are retreating. This happens when the ice melts faster than new snow can fall and turn into ice. Scientists study retreating glaciers to understand changes in our climate.
What does "retreating" mean for a glacier?
When a glacier retreats, its front edge (called the terminus) moves backward. This shows that the glacier is losing more ice than it gains. The terminus of the Upper Curtis Glacier is described as "Barren rock/icefall," meaning it's a mix of exposed rock and falling ice. This is a common sign of a retreating glacier.
Images for kids
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Upper Curtis Glacier is on upper slopes of Mount Shuksan at right
