South Cascade Glacier

Sub : Geo

Sec: Geomorphology

Why in News

The South Cascade Glacier in Washington, USA, was named “Glacier of the Year” by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on March 21, 2024. Recent studies indicate a significant reduction in its size due to rising global temperatures, highlighting the ongoing effects of climate change.

Importance of South Cascade Glacier:

Glaciers have been studied in Europe since the 19th century, but South Cascade Glacier has been instrumental in developing modern glaciological research methods.
Several scientific techniques, such as ice radar for measuring glacier thickness, were first applied here. Data collected from this glacier has helped scientists understand long-term climate trends.
Located at the head of the South Fork of the Cascade River, which ultimately drains into Puget Sound. Spanning over 6 square kilometres, its simple geometry makes it ideal for studying glacial changes.
A glacier is a perennial accumulation of snow and ice that continuously moves, eroding rocks and shaping valleys over thousands of years.
Monitoring at South Cascade Glacier began in 1958, under the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
In 1959, the USGS initiated a “continuous mass balance” measurement project, recording:
- Streamflow runoff, Precipitation levels, Air temperature, Barometric pressure, Snow thickness and density, Ice ablation and surface speed, Altitude changes.

Over nearly seven decades, the glacier has shrunk to nearly half its original size.
WMO reported that in 2024, all 19 glacier regions worldwide experienced a net mass loss, marking the third consecutive year of decline.
Glaciers store about 2% of the world’s freshwater.
Their melting contributes to rising sea levels, threatening coastal communities globally.
The loss of glacial ice affects freshwater availability for millions who depend on seasonal meltwater.

Cascade River:

The Cascade River is situated in the U.S. state of Washington.
It originates from the confluence of the Middle and South Forks in the North Cascades and flows into the Skagit River at Marblemount.

Puget Sound:

Puget Sound is a deep inlet of the eastern North Pacific Ocean, indenting northwestern Washington, U.S. It stretches south for approximately 100 miles (160 km) from Admiralty Inlet and Whidbey Island.
Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, and Everett are among the significant urban centres located along Puget Sound.