Wyeth Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wyeth Glacier |
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 Wyeth Glacier
Location in Washington (state)
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Location | Chelan County, Washington, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 48°29′40″N 120°56′21″W / 48.49444°N 120.93917°W |
| Length | .50 mi (0.80 km) |
| Terminus | Barren rock/icefall |
| Status | Retreating |
Wyeth Glacier is a cool natural ice giant found in North Cascades National Park in Washington, USA. It's located in a special bowl-shaped valley called a cirque, nestled west and north of a mountain named Storm King. Storm King is about 1 mile (1.6 km) northwest of Goode Mountain. Wyeth Glacier isn't one big sheet of ice; it's actually split into several parts that flow down from high up, around 8,000 feet (2,438 meters), to about 6,600 feet (2,012 meters) above sea level.
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What is a Glacier?
A glacier is like a giant, slow-moving river of ice. It forms over many, many years when snow falls in one place and doesn't melt completely. Each year, more snow piles up, pressing down on the snow below. This pressure turns the bottom layers of snow into solid ice.
How Glaciers Form and Move
Glaciers need cold temperatures and lots of snowfall to form. They usually start in high mountains or very cold polar regions. Once enough ice builds up, gravity starts to pull the glacier downhill. Even though they look still, glaciers are always moving, just very slowly. They can slide over the ground or even flow like thick syrup.
What is a Cirque?
The Wyeth Glacier is found in a "cirque." A cirque is a bowl-shaped hollow or valley that glaciers carve out of mountainsides. Imagine a giant scoop taken out of a mountain. These cirques often have steep sides and a rounded back wall. They are created by the glacier's movement and the way it erodes the rock.
Wyeth Glacier's Location
Wyeth Glacier is located in the beautiful North Cascades National Park. This park is in the state of Washington, which is in the northwestern part of the United States. The North Cascades are known for their rugged mountains, deep valleys, and many glaciers.
Mountains Near Wyeth Glacier
The glacier is found near two important peaks: Storm King and Goode Mountain. Storm King is a mountain that stands tall near the glacier. Goode Mountain is one of the highest peaks in the North Cascades. These mountains provide the high elevations and cold conditions needed for glaciers like Wyeth to exist.
Why Glaciers are Important
Glaciers are more than just big chunks of ice. They are very important for our planet. They store a huge amount of the world's fresh water. When glaciers melt slowly during warmer months, they provide water for rivers, lakes, and streams. This water is used by people for drinking, farming, and electricity.
Glaciers and Climate Change
The status of Wyeth Glacier is "retreating." This means it is getting smaller over time. Many glaciers around the world are retreating. Scientists study glaciers because they can tell us a lot about Earth's climate. When glaciers shrink, it's often a sign that the planet's temperatures are getting warmer.
