Whitewater Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Whitewater Glacier |
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Whitewater Glacier on Mount Jefferson, Oregon
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 Whitewater Glacier
Location in Oregon
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Location | Cascade Range, Jefferson County, Marion County, Oregon, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 44°40′53″N 121°47′27″W / 44.68139°N 121.79083°W |
| Length | .6 mi (0.97 km) |
| Terminus | Moraines/Talus |
| Status | Retreating |
Whitewater Glacier is a large body of ice located in the state of Oregon in the United States. It sits high up on the eastern and northeastern sides of Mount Jefferson. This mountain is part of the Cascade Range, a long chain of mountains in western North America.
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What is Whitewater Glacier?
A glacier is like a very slow-moving river made of ice. It forms when snow piles up over many years and gets pressed into thick ice. Whitewater Glacier is a "mountain glacier," meaning it forms in high mountain areas. It starts near the top of Mount Jefferson and slowly moves downhill.
Where is Whitewater Glacier Located?
Whitewater Glacier is found on Mount Jefferson, which is a tall volcano in Oregon. The glacier is mainly on the east and northeast slopes of the mountain. This area is within the Cascade Range, a major mountain range known for its volcanoes and glaciers. The glacier is located in both Jefferson County, Oregon and Marion County, Oregon.
How Big is Whitewater Glacier?
This glacier starts at a very high point on Mount Jefferson, over 10,000 feet (about 3,000 meters) above sea level. It stretches down to about 7,500 feet (about 2,300 meters) in elevation. From north to south, the glacier is nearly 2 miles (about 3.2 kilometers) wide. It is about 0.6 miles (about 1 kilometer) long. The end of the glacier, called its terminus, is surrounded by piles of rocks and debris left behind by the ice.
Why are Glaciers Important?
Glaciers like Whitewater are very important for several reasons. They act like huge frozen reservoirs, storing fresh water. When the ice melts slowly, it provides water to rivers and streams, which is important for plants, animals, and people. Glaciers also help scientists understand how the Earth's climate is changing.
Is Whitewater Glacier Changing?
Yes, Whitewater Glacier is currently "retreating." This means it is getting smaller over time. Glaciers retreat when more ice melts away each year than is replaced by new snowfall. This shrinking is a sign of warmer temperatures in the region. Scientists study glaciers like Whitewater to learn more about climate patterns and their effects on our planet.
