White River Glacier (Washington) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids White River Glacier |
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 White River Glacier
Location in Washington (state)
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Coordinates | 48°03′27″N 121°05′48″W / 48.05750°N 121.09667°W |
| Length | .70 mi (1.13 km) |
| Terminus | Icefall/Barren Rock |
| Status | Retreating |
The White River Glacier is a cool natural feature. It is found in the Glacier Peak Wilderness area. This wilderness is in the state of Washington in the USA.
This glacier is part of the Wenatchee National Forest. It is very close to two other glaciers: Honeycomb Glacier and Suiattle Glacier. A rocky ridge, called an arête, separates them. This ridge comes from the Kololo Peaks.
The White River Glacier has been getting smaller. It has shrunk by about 1,000 meters (or 3,280 feet). This shrinking has happened since the end of the Little Ice Age. That was around the year 1850.
Contents
What is a Glacier?
Giant Ice Rivers
A glacier is a huge mass of ice. It forms over many years. Snow falls and piles up. It gets compressed into ice. This ice then slowly moves. Think of it like a very slow-moving river of ice.
How Glaciers Form
Glaciers need special conditions. They need cold temperatures. They also need lots of snowfall. The snow must stay on the ground. It cannot melt completely in summer. Over time, new snow presses down on old snow. This turns it into dense ice.
Where is White River Glacier?
Its Special Location
The White River Glacier is a mountain glacier. It sits high up in the mountains. Specifically, it's in the Glacier Peak Wilderness. This area is known for its beautiful, rugged peaks.
Part of a Big Forest
This glacier is inside the Wenatchee National Forest. National forests are protected lands. They are important for wildlife and nature. Being in a national forest helps protect the glacier.
Why Glaciers Change
Glaciers on the Move
Glaciers are always moving. They flow downhill because of gravity. They can also grow or shrink. This depends on how much snow falls. It also depends on how much ice melts.
Retreating Glaciers
When a glacier gets smaller, it is "retreating." This means the ice is melting faster than new snow is falling. The White River Glacier has been retreating for a long time. It has lost a lot of its size since the 1800s.
What Causes Retreat?
Many things can make a glacier retreat. Natural climate changes play a part. But human activities can also cause warming. This warming makes glaciers melt faster. Scientists study glaciers to understand our planet's climate.
Why Glaciers are Important
Water for Life
Glaciers are like giant water storage tanks. They hold a lot of fresh water. When they melt slowly, they provide water. This water flows into rivers and streams. It is used by plants, animals, and people.
Home for Wildlife
Some animals and plants depend on glaciers. They need the cold water. They also need the unique habitats. As glaciers shrink, these habitats can disappear. This affects the creatures that live there.
Clues About Climate
Glaciers are also important for science. They can tell us about past climates. The ice holds clues about temperatures. It also shows how much snow fell long ago. Studying glaciers helps us understand climate change.
