Andrews Glacier, Glacier in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, US
Andrews Glacier is a glacier in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, situated at about 11,200 feet elevation. The ice flows downward and feeds Andrews Tarn lake through its continuous melting pattern.
The glacier was first documented in 1897 when Edwin B. Andrews and Abner Sprague explored the Rocky Mountains and mapped the area. Their early records helped establish the foundation for later scientific monitoring of the region.
Scientists monitor the glacier as part of research programs examining climate patterns and water resources in the Colorado mountains.
The glacier is accessible via a hiking trail from the Glacier Gorge Trailhead, covering several miles each way. The route crosses alpine terrain, so sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are essential for the journey.
The glacier supports specific microhabitats where organisms adapted to extreme cold conditions maintain ecological balance in this alpine environment.
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