Gannett Glacier
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| Gannett Glacier | |
|---|---|
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Location | Wyoming, U.S. |
| Coordinates | |
| Area | 896 acres (3.63 km²) |
| Terminus | Moraine |
| Status | Retreating |
Gannett Glacier is the largest glacier in the Rocky Mountains within the United States. The glacier is located on the east and north slopes of Gannett Peak, the highest mountain in Wyoming, in the Fitzpatrick Wilderness of Shoshone National Forest.
As is true with most glaciers around the world, Gannett Glacier is slowly disappearing. Photographic evidence clearly demonstrates that there has been an enormous reduction in the area of the glacier since the 1920's. The area of the glacier was estimated in 1950 to be 1,135 acres (4.6 km²) and was measured in 1999 to be 896 acres (3.63 km²). Measurements taken in 1958 and again in 1983 showed a depth reduction of 61 feet (18.6 m). A general warming pattern and a reduction in moisture is widely believed to be the reason for the glacier retreating.
Numerous other glaciers are located in the immediate area including six more that are within the top ten in size within the Rocky Mountains of the U.S.
[edit] External links
- U.S. Forest Service. Wind River Ranger District. Shoshone National Forest. Retrieved on 2006-07-11.
- Topozone. USGS Gannett Peak (WY) Topo Map. Retrieved on 2006-07-11.
- Absolon, Molly. Vanishing Glaciers in the Wind River Range. Wyoming Outdoor Council. Retrieved on 2006-07-11.
- Urbigkit, Cat. Glaciers shrinking. Sublette Examiner. Retrieved on 2006-07-11.
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