Yawning Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yawning Glacier |
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Yawning Glacier at center from Cascade Pass
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 Yawning Glacier
Location in Washington (state)
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Location | Chelan County, Washington, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 48°26′59″N 121°02′21″W / 48.44972°N 121.03917°W |
| Length | .25 mi (0.40 km) |
| Terminus | Barren rock and icefall |
| Status | Retreating |
Yawning Glacier is a cool natural ice formation. It's found in North Cascades National Park in the state of Washington, U.S.. This glacier sits on the east side of a mountain called Magic Mountain. Yawning Glacier stretches from about 6,800 feet down to 6,200 feet high.
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What is a Glacier?
A glacier is like a giant, slow-moving river of ice. It forms over many years when snow falls in one spot and doesn't melt. New snow keeps piling up on top of old snow. The weight of all this snow presses down. This pressure turns the snow into hard, dense ice. Glaciers can be found in mountains or near the Earth's poles.
How Glaciers Form
Glaciers start as snowflakes. When snow stays on the ground all year, it begins to change. The snow crystals get squashed together. This makes them denser and turns them into a grainy ice called firn. As more snow falls and more pressure builds, the firn gets even denser. Eventually, it becomes solid glacial ice. This ice is so heavy that it slowly flows downhill.
Where is Yawning Glacier Located?
Yawning Glacier is tucked away in a beautiful part of Washington state. It's inside the North Cascades National Park. This park is known for its tall, rugged mountains and many glaciers. Yawning Glacier is specifically on the eastern slopes of Magic Mountain. This area is very wild and remote.
Nearby Glaciers
Yawning Glacier isn't alone in this icy landscape. Other glaciers are nearby. About three-quarters of a mile to the south, you can find S Glacier. About one mile to the northwest is Cache Col Glacier. These glaciers are all part of the amazing natural beauty of the North Cascades.
Why Glaciers are Important
Glaciers are very important for our planet. They store a lot of the world's fresh water. When glaciers melt slowly, they provide water for rivers and streams. This water is used by people, animals, and plants. Glaciers also help us understand Earth's climate. They show us how much the temperature is changing.
Yawning Glacier is Retreating
The status of Yawning Glacier is "retreating." This means the glacier is getting smaller. It's melting faster than new snow can build it up. Many glaciers around the world are retreating. This is often due to warmer temperatures. When glaciers retreat, it can affect water supplies. It also changes the landscape around them.
