Landsat recently captured the most widespread meltwater pooling ever recorded on Antarctica's George VI Ice Shelf. Some melting is expected during the Antarctic summer, but the sheer extent of the stunning aqua ponds that have appeared amid the continent's warmest summer on record is remarkable.
Where are Earth’s glaciers located?
Glaciers exist on every continent except Australia. Approximate distribution is:
- 91% in Antarctica
- 8% in Greenland
- Less than 0.5% in North America (about 0.1% in Alaska)
- 0.2% in Asia
- Less than 0.1% are in South America, Europe, Africa, New Zealand, and Indonesia.
Related
Which mountain in the conterminous U.S. has the most glaciers? Which mountain in the conterminous U.S. has the most glaciers?
Mount Rainier, Washington, at 14,410 feet (4,393 meters), the highest peak in the Cascade Range, is a dormant volcano whose glacier ice cover exceeds that of any other mountain in the conterminous United States. Mount Rainier has approximately 26 glaciers. It contains more than five times the glacier area of all the other Cascade volcanoes combined. Mount Baker (Washington) at 10,778 feet (3,285...
How long can we expect the present Interglacial period to last? How long can we expect the present Interglacial period to last?
No one knows for sure. In the Devils Hole, Nevada paleoclimate record, the last four interglacials lasted over ~20,000 years with the warmest portion being a relatively stable period of 10,000 to 15,000 years duration. This is consistent with what is seen in the Vostok ice core from Antarctica and several records of sea level high stands. These data suggest that an equally long duration should be...
How old is glacier ice? How old is glacier ice?
The age of the oldest glacier ice in Antarctica may approach 1,000,000 years old The age of the oldest glacier ice in Greenland is more than 100,000 years old The age of the oldest Alaskan glacier ice ever recovered (from a basin between Mt. Bona and Mt. Churchill) is about 30,000 years old. Glacier flow moves newly formed ice through the entire length of a typical Alaskan valley glacier in 100...
Are today's glaciers leftovers from the Pleistocene ice age? Are today's glaciers leftovers from the Pleistocene ice age?
Yes and no. It depends on which glaciers you are considering. Parts of the Antarctic Continent have had continuous glacier cover for perhaps as long as 20 million years. Other areas, such as valley glaciers of the Antarctic Peninsula and glaciers of the Transantarctic Mountains may date from the early Pleistocene. For Greenland, ice cores and related data suggest that all of southern Greenland and...
Was all of Alaska covered by glaciers during the Pleistocene Ice Age? Was all of Alaska covered by glaciers during the Pleistocene Ice Age?
No--most of interior Alaska, south of the Brooks Range and north of the Alaska Range, was a non-glaciated grassland refuge habitat for a number of plant and animal species during the maximum Pleistocene glaciation. This ice-free corridor also provided one route for humans to move into North America. Learn more: USGS Water Science School - Glaciers: Things to Know
How many glaciers currently exist in Alaska? How many glaciers currently exist in Alaska?
Based on the most recent comprehensive survey in 2011, there were about 27,000 glaciers in Alaska. However, the number of glaciers is a misleading statistic. Scientists are more interested in total glacial land coverage as a measure. The number of glaciers is less important since large ones can split up into several as they retreat. The amount of area glaciers occupy in Alaska is trending downward...
Summer Pools Appear in Antarctica
Landsat recently captured the most widespread meltwater pooling ever recorded on Antarctica's George VI Ice Shelf. Some melting is expected during the Antarctic summer, but the sheer extent of the stunning aqua ponds that have appeared amid the continent's warmest summer on record is remarkable.
Meltwater lakes form on the surface of Greenland’s Petermann Glacier
Meltwater lakes form on the surface of Greenland’s Petermann GlacierMeltwater lakes form on the surface of Greenland’s Petermann Glacier, seen here in a June 2019 Landsat image. A new study finds that the number, and elevation, of meltwater lakes in Greenalnd is increasing. Credit: NASA/USGS
Meltwater lakes form on the surface of Greenland’s Petermann Glacier
Meltwater lakes form on the surface of Greenland’s Petermann GlacierMeltwater lakes form on the surface of Greenland’s Petermann Glacier, seen here in a June 2019 Landsat image. A new study finds that the number, and elevation, of meltwater lakes in Greenalnd is increasing. Credit: NASA/USGS
Mapping the glacier's edge in Glacier National Park.
Mapping the glacier's edge in Glacier National Park.Mapping the glacier's edge in Glacier National Park.
Mapping the glacier's edge in Glacier National Park.
Mapping the glacier's edge in Glacier National Park.Mapping the glacier's edge in Glacier National Park.
A scientist hikes up to a glacier in Glacier National Park.
A scientist hikes up to a glacier in Glacier National Park.A scientist hikes up to a glacier in Glacier National Park.
A scientist hikes up to a glacier in Glacier National Park.
A scientist hikes up to a glacier in Glacier National Park.A scientist hikes up to a glacier in Glacier National Park.
Sheridan Glacier from the Air
Sheridan glacier and Sheridan river from the air, rich in fine glacial flour.
Sheridan glacier and Sheridan river from the air, rich in fine glacial flour.
USGS Public Lecture Series: Baked Alaska--What's Happening to the Glaciers in Alaska?
USGS Public Lecture Series: Baked Alaska--What's Happening to the Glaciers in Alaska?Glaciers are Earth's largest reservoir of freshwater. As they change, so does global sea level. Alaska has one of the largest accumulations of glaciers anywhere on Earth outside of the Polar regions. For most of the past half century, Alaska has experienced a significant increase in temperature that has profoundly impacted its glaciers. Join USGS scientist Dr.
USGS Public Lecture Series: Baked Alaska--What's Happening to the Glaciers in Alaska?
USGS Public Lecture Series: Baked Alaska--What's Happening to the Glaciers in Alaska?Glaciers are Earth's largest reservoir of freshwater. As they change, so does global sea level. Alaska has one of the largest accumulations of glaciers anywhere on Earth outside of the Polar regions. For most of the past half century, Alaska has experienced a significant increase in temperature that has profoundly impacted its glaciers. Join USGS scientist Dr.
The Cold Facts About Melting Glaciers
Most glaciers in Washington and Alaska are dramatically shrinking in response to a warming climate.
Most glaciers in Washington and Alaska are dramatically shrinking in response to a warming climate.
Surprise Glacier
Surprise Glacier, Harriman Fiord, western Prince William Sound.
Surprise Glacier, Harriman Fiord, western Prince William Sound.
Serpentine Glacier
Serpentine Glacier, Harriman Fiord, western Prince William Sound, AK.
Serpentine Glacier, Harriman Fiord, western Prince William Sound, AK.
Coxe Glacier
Coxe Glacier, Barry Arm, western Prince William Sound
Coxe Glacier, Barry Arm, western Prince William Sound
Upper slopes of Glacier Peak, WA.
Upper slopes of Glacier Peak, Washington.
Upper slopes of Glacier Peak, Washington.
Denali Fault: Canwell Glacier
Peter Haeussler prepares to measure the offset of a crevasse on the Canwell Glacier.
Peter Haeussler prepares to measure the offset of a crevasse on the Canwell Glacier.
Himalayas
Soaring, snow-capped peaks and ridges of the eastern Himalaya Mountains create an irregular white-on-red patchwork between major rivers in southwestern China. The Himalayas are made up of three parallel mountain ranges that together extend more than 2,900 kilometers.
Soaring, snow-capped peaks and ridges of the eastern Himalaya Mountains create an irregular white-on-red patchwork between major rivers in southwestern China. The Himalayas are made up of three parallel mountain ranges that together extend more than 2,900 kilometers.
Layers of Ice, Hayden Glacier
This picture was taken from the base of the Hayden Glacier in the Three Sisters Wilderness Area.
This picture was taken from the base of the Hayden Glacier in the Three Sisters Wilderness Area.
Related
Which mountain in the conterminous U.S. has the most glaciers? Which mountain in the conterminous U.S. has the most glaciers?
Mount Rainier, Washington, at 14,410 feet (4,393 meters), the highest peak in the Cascade Range, is a dormant volcano whose glacier ice cover exceeds that of any other mountain in the conterminous United States. Mount Rainier has approximately 26 glaciers. It contains more than five times the glacier area of all the other Cascade volcanoes combined. Mount Baker (Washington) at 10,778 feet (3,285...
How long can we expect the present Interglacial period to last? How long can we expect the present Interglacial period to last?
No one knows for sure. In the Devils Hole, Nevada paleoclimate record, the last four interglacials lasted over ~20,000 years with the warmest portion being a relatively stable period of 10,000 to 15,000 years duration. This is consistent with what is seen in the Vostok ice core from Antarctica and several records of sea level high stands. These data suggest that an equally long duration should be...
How old is glacier ice? How old is glacier ice?
The age of the oldest glacier ice in Antarctica may approach 1,000,000 years old The age of the oldest glacier ice in Greenland is more than 100,000 years old The age of the oldest Alaskan glacier ice ever recovered (from a basin between Mt. Bona and Mt. Churchill) is about 30,000 years old. Glacier flow moves newly formed ice through the entire length of a typical Alaskan valley glacier in 100...
Are today's glaciers leftovers from the Pleistocene ice age? Are today's glaciers leftovers from the Pleistocene ice age?
Yes and no. It depends on which glaciers you are considering. Parts of the Antarctic Continent have had continuous glacier cover for perhaps as long as 20 million years. Other areas, such as valley glaciers of the Antarctic Peninsula and glaciers of the Transantarctic Mountains may date from the early Pleistocene. For Greenland, ice cores and related data suggest that all of southern Greenland and...
Was all of Alaska covered by glaciers during the Pleistocene Ice Age? Was all of Alaska covered by glaciers during the Pleistocene Ice Age?
No--most of interior Alaska, south of the Brooks Range and north of the Alaska Range, was a non-glaciated grassland refuge habitat for a number of plant and animal species during the maximum Pleistocene glaciation. This ice-free corridor also provided one route for humans to move into North America. Learn more: USGS Water Science School - Glaciers: Things to Know
How many glaciers currently exist in Alaska? How many glaciers currently exist in Alaska?
Based on the most recent comprehensive survey in 2011, there were about 27,000 glaciers in Alaska. However, the number of glaciers is a misleading statistic. Scientists are more interested in total glacial land coverage as a measure. The number of glaciers is less important since large ones can split up into several as they retreat. The amount of area glaciers occupy in Alaska is trending downward...
Summer Pools Appear in Antarctica
Landsat recently captured the most widespread meltwater pooling ever recorded on Antarctica's George VI Ice Shelf. Some melting is expected during the Antarctic summer, but the sheer extent of the stunning aqua ponds that have appeared amid the continent's warmest summer on record is remarkable.
Landsat recently captured the most widespread meltwater pooling ever recorded on Antarctica's George VI Ice Shelf. Some melting is expected during the Antarctic summer, but the sheer extent of the stunning aqua ponds that have appeared amid the continent's warmest summer on record is remarkable.
Meltwater lakes form on the surface of Greenland’s Petermann Glacier
Meltwater lakes form on the surface of Greenland’s Petermann GlacierMeltwater lakes form on the surface of Greenland’s Petermann Glacier, seen here in a June 2019 Landsat image. A new study finds that the number, and elevation, of meltwater lakes in Greenalnd is increasing. Credit: NASA/USGS
Meltwater lakes form on the surface of Greenland’s Petermann Glacier
Meltwater lakes form on the surface of Greenland’s Petermann GlacierMeltwater lakes form on the surface of Greenland’s Petermann Glacier, seen here in a June 2019 Landsat image. A new study finds that the number, and elevation, of meltwater lakes in Greenalnd is increasing. Credit: NASA/USGS
Mapping the glacier's edge in Glacier National Park.
Mapping the glacier's edge in Glacier National Park.Mapping the glacier's edge in Glacier National Park.
Mapping the glacier's edge in Glacier National Park.
Mapping the glacier's edge in Glacier National Park.Mapping the glacier's edge in Glacier National Park.
A scientist hikes up to a glacier in Glacier National Park.
A scientist hikes up to a glacier in Glacier National Park.A scientist hikes up to a glacier in Glacier National Park.
A scientist hikes up to a glacier in Glacier National Park.
A scientist hikes up to a glacier in Glacier National Park.A scientist hikes up to a glacier in Glacier National Park.
Sheridan Glacier from the Air
Sheridan glacier and Sheridan river from the air, rich in fine glacial flour.
Sheridan glacier and Sheridan river from the air, rich in fine glacial flour.
USGS Public Lecture Series: Baked Alaska--What's Happening to the Glaciers in Alaska?
USGS Public Lecture Series: Baked Alaska--What's Happening to the Glaciers in Alaska?Glaciers are Earth's largest reservoir of freshwater. As they change, so does global sea level. Alaska has one of the largest accumulations of glaciers anywhere on Earth outside of the Polar regions. For most of the past half century, Alaska has experienced a significant increase in temperature that has profoundly impacted its glaciers. Join USGS scientist Dr.
USGS Public Lecture Series: Baked Alaska--What's Happening to the Glaciers in Alaska?
USGS Public Lecture Series: Baked Alaska--What's Happening to the Glaciers in Alaska?Glaciers are Earth's largest reservoir of freshwater. As they change, so does global sea level. Alaska has one of the largest accumulations of glaciers anywhere on Earth outside of the Polar regions. For most of the past half century, Alaska has experienced a significant increase in temperature that has profoundly impacted its glaciers. Join USGS scientist Dr.
The Cold Facts About Melting Glaciers
Most glaciers in Washington and Alaska are dramatically shrinking in response to a warming climate.
Most glaciers in Washington and Alaska are dramatically shrinking in response to a warming climate.
Surprise Glacier
Surprise Glacier, Harriman Fiord, western Prince William Sound.
Surprise Glacier, Harriman Fiord, western Prince William Sound.
Serpentine Glacier
Serpentine Glacier, Harriman Fiord, western Prince William Sound, AK.
Serpentine Glacier, Harriman Fiord, western Prince William Sound, AK.
Coxe Glacier
Coxe Glacier, Barry Arm, western Prince William Sound
Coxe Glacier, Barry Arm, western Prince William Sound
Upper slopes of Glacier Peak, WA.
Upper slopes of Glacier Peak, Washington.
Upper slopes of Glacier Peak, Washington.
Denali Fault: Canwell Glacier
Peter Haeussler prepares to measure the offset of a crevasse on the Canwell Glacier.
Peter Haeussler prepares to measure the offset of a crevasse on the Canwell Glacier.
Himalayas
Soaring, snow-capped peaks and ridges of the eastern Himalaya Mountains create an irregular white-on-red patchwork between major rivers in southwestern China. The Himalayas are made up of three parallel mountain ranges that together extend more than 2,900 kilometers.
Soaring, snow-capped peaks and ridges of the eastern Himalaya Mountains create an irregular white-on-red patchwork between major rivers in southwestern China. The Himalayas are made up of three parallel mountain ranges that together extend more than 2,900 kilometers.
Layers of Ice, Hayden Glacier
This picture was taken from the base of the Hayden Glacier in the Three Sisters Wilderness Area.
This picture was taken from the base of the Hayden Glacier in the Three Sisters Wilderness Area.
Updated Date: March 26, 2025