Lyell Glacier, Cirque glacier in Tuolumne County, US
Lyell Glacier is a cirque glacier on Mount Lyell within Yosemite National Park, situated at an elevation of about 13,000 feet. It occupies a relatively small area surrounded by the steep rock faces of the mountain.
The glacier was named in the 19th century after Charles Lyell, an English geologist who advanced understanding of glacial processes and landforms. This naming reflects the scientific recognition given to this formation during the early era of glacier research.
Regular scientific monitoring of this glacier has made it a focal point for understanding environmental changes in the Sierra Nevada region. The data collected here helps researchers track how high-altitude ice bodies respond to shifting climate patterns.
Access is via the John Muir Trail, a demanding hiking route that requires mountaineering skills and high-altitude gear for safety. Visitors should prepare for icy conditions, changeable weather, and challenging terrain along the approach.
During summer months, the glacier feeds the Merced River, providing crucial water to the ecosystems of Yosemite Valley. This seasonal contribution shapes the water availability for wildlife and vegetation throughout the lower valley.
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