Zapol Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Zapol Glacier |
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Location of Sentinel Range in Western Antarctica.
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 Location in Antarctica
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| Location | Vinson Massif Sentinel Range Ellsworth Land |
| Coordinates | 78°35′00″S 85°51′00″W / 78.58333°S 85.85000°W |
| Thickness | unknown |
| Status | unknown |
Zapol Glacier (78°35′S 85°51′W / 78.583°S 85.850°W) is a large river of ice, also known as a glacier. It is located in Antarctica, the coldest continent on Earth. This glacier flows down the western side of Vinson Massif, which is the highest mountain in Antarctica.
Zapol Glacier is found in the Sentinel Range, a major mountain range in Ellsworth Land. It moves southwest, passing between two other glaciers, Tulaczyk Glacier and Donnellan Glacier. As it leaves the mountains, Zapol Glacier joins the much larger Nimitz Glacier.
Where is Zapol Glacier Located?
Zapol Glacier is in a very cold and icy part of the world. It is part of the Sentinel Range in Ellsworth Land, which is a region of Western Antarctica. The glacier starts high up on the west slope of Vinson Massif. This huge mountain is a key landmark in the area.
The glacier flows past two important peaks: Silverstein Peak and Príncipe de Asturias Peak. These peaks are south of where the glacier begins its journey. After flowing downhill, Zapol Glacier meets the Nimitz Glacier near a place called Hodges Knoll.
How Zapol Glacier Got Its Name
Zapol Glacier was named in 2006 by the US-ACAN (United States Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names). It was named after Dr. Warren M. Zapol. He is a scientist who worked at the Department of Anesthesia at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Dr. Zapol did important research near McMurdo Station in Antarctica. Starting in the mid-1970s, he studied Weddell seals. He wanted to understand how these amazing animals can dive deep underwater and hold their breath for a long time. This research helped scientists learn more about how mammals, including humans, handle gases in their bodies. His work was part of a bigger effort to understand SIDS, which stands for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. SIDS is a serious and sudden health issue that can affect babies.
Maps
Maps are very useful for seeing where Zapol Glacier is located in Antarctica. They show its position within the Sentinel Range and how it connects to other glaciers and mountains.
