Crater Glacier, Glacier in Mount St Helens crater, United States.
Crater Glacier sits in the horseshoe-shaped northern section of Mount St Helens' crater, made of ice mixed with rock and debris. This frozen mass reaches depths of around 650 feet and grows thicker from constant snowfall and rockfall from the crater walls.
The glacier formed in the wake of the 1980 volcanic eruption that shaped Mount St Helens. Scientists did not document its existence until the late 1990s, despite it developing over nearly two decades in the crater.
The name refers directly to its location within the volcano's crater, chosen after discussions between local communities and official naming authorities. This reflects how geographic features are named through collaborative processes.
Reaching the crater area takes careful planning because access is challenging and weather conditions change frequently throughout the year. Visitors should prepare for rugged terrain and check current conditions before attempting the approach.
Inside the glacier, an intricate system of ice caves and tunnels formed where heat from the volcanic ground melted channels through the frozen mass. These underground passages create a rare window into how this glacier functions in an active volcanic environment.
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