The Glacier Problem 

Solution

      Dr. Robert J. Rapalje

Three ALASKAN GLACIERS are moving at different speeds. 

Glacier #1 is moving at 4 feet per day
Glacier #2 is moving at 3 inches per hour
Glacier #3 is moving at 6*10^-5 miles per hour
Which is the fastest moving glacier ?

 

Click here for pictures of glaciers.

 

SOLUTION:
      Glacier #1 is moving at 4 feet per day!


      Glacier #2 is moving at 3 inches per hour, which is 3*24 = 72 inches per day. Then, divide by 12 to convert this to 6 feet per day.

      Glacier #3 is moving at 6*10^-5 miles per hour. Multiply this times 5280 to change it to feet per hour and then multiply by 24 hours to see how far it moves in a day. This turns out to be (with a calculator!!) 6*10^-5*5280= .3168 feet per hour , then times 24 to change it to 7.6032 feet per day.



The greatest speed would be Glacier #3 which is about 7.6 feet per day.
 

Click here for pictures of glaciers from Alaska!

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Dr. Robert J. Rapalje Altamonte Springs Campus
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