A classroom/laboratory activity to learn about glacial retreat and to predict the complete melting of a glacier (specifically, for an example in Glacier National Park).
In this activity, students will analyze and interpret historical data for the Grinnell Glacier to predict when the glacier might completely melt.
Use this tool to help students find answers to:
- What climatic factors may lead to the shrinking of some glaciers?
- What is the relationship between climate and the cryosphere?
About the Tool
Tool Name | Investigation: When will there no longer be glaciers in Glacier National Park? |
Discipline | Geography, Earth Sciences |
Topic(s) in Discipline | Glaciers, Cryosphere, Glacial Retreat, Glacial Melting |
Climate Topic | Climate and the Cryosphere |
Type of Tool | Classroom/Laboratory Activity |
Grade Level | High school, Undergraduate |
Location | USA |
Language | English |
Translation | |
Developed by | Carol Ormand, Wittenberg University |
Hosted at | Teaching Quantitative Skills in the Geosciences, SERC at Carleton College |
Link | https://serc.carleton.edu/quantskills/activities/glacial_retreat.html |
Access | Online, Offline (handout and reference material can be downloaded for offline use) |
Computer Skills | Basic |