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You are here: Home / Universe / How Fast Do Glaciers Move?

How Fast Do Glaciers Move?

August 3, 2020 by Karen Hill

Most glaciers move very slowly, usually less than a foot a day, although some have been known to move more than 50 feet a day.

glacier in alaska

However, different layers of one glacier also move at different speeds. The bottom moves slowly because it is rubbing against the land, while the middle and top move more quickly because they are ice sliding against ice.

Scientists measure the speed of a glacier by pounding stakes into the ice at different points and seeing how quickly or slowly their position changes.

The fastest-moving glacier ever recorded is the Quarayaq Glacier in Greenland, which has traveled 80 feet in one day.

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Filed Under: Universe

About Karen Hill

Karen Hill is a freelance writer, editor, and columnist. Born in New York, her work has appeared in the Examiner, Yahoo News, Buzzfeed, among others.

Previous Post: « When Did the Ice of Today’s Glaciers Freeze?
Next Post: Do All Snowflakes Really Look Alike? »

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