West Nooksack Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids West Nooksack Glacier |
|
|---|---|
 West Nooksack Glacier
Location in Washington (state)
|
|
| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Coordinates | 48°50′31″N 121°34′30″W / 48.84194°N 121.57500°W |
| Length | .70 mi (1.13 km) |
| Terminus | Barren rock/icefall |
| Status | Retreating |
The West Nooksack Glacier is a small but interesting glacier located in the North Cascades National Park in the U.S. state of Washington. It sits high up on the eastern side of a big mountain called Mount Shuksan. You can find it just northeast of a smaller peak known as Nooksack Tower.
Contents
Exploring West Nooksack Glacier
The West Nooksack Glacier is not very long, measuring only about .10 mi (0.16 km). It is considered a "glacial remnant." This means it's a small piece left over from a much larger glacier that existed a long time ago. Think of it like a tiny puddle left after a big snow pile melts away.
Where is This Glacier?
This glacier is nestled within the stunning North Cascades National Park. This park is famous for its rugged mountains, deep valleys, and many glaciers. The West Nooksack Glacier is specifically located in Whatcom County, Washington. It's a part of the amazing natural landscape of the Pacific Northwest.
Why is This Glacier Important?
Even though it's small, the West Nooksack Glacier plays a role in its environment. It provides "meltwater," which is simply water that comes from melting ice. This meltwater flows into the Nooksack River. Rivers like the Nooksack are important for local plants, animals, and even people. They provide water for many different uses.
What is a Glacial Remnant?
A glacial remnant is a leftover piece of a glacier. Glaciers are huge bodies of ice that move slowly over land. Over thousands of years, the Earth's climate changes. When the climate gets warmer, glaciers start to shrink. A glacial remnant is what remains when most of the original glacier has melted away. The West Nooksack Glacier is an example of this process.
