Glaciers, massive rivers of ice, stand as some of the Earth’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Carving through landscapes and shaping the terrain over millennia, these colossal ice formations captivate with their sheer size and beauty. In this article, we embark on a journey to discover the top 10 largest glaciers in the world.
World’s Largest Glacier 2024
The Lambert Fisher Glacier, situated in Antarctica, proudly holds the title of the world’s largest glacier. Covering an extensive area of 400 kilometers in length and 100 kilometers in width, this colossal ice giant accounts for about 8% of the Arctic Ice Sheet. Its sheer magnitude is such that it is visible from space, showcasing evidence of ongoing glacial activity. Recognized for its remarkable speed, the Lambert Glacier is also the fastest-moving glacier globally, with speeds reaching 1,200 meters per year at its outlet. Despite its grandeur, the glacier has been undergoing rapid retreat, contributing to rising sea levels. This alarming trend raises concerns among scientists who believe that the ongoing loss of ice from the Lambert Fisher Glacier could have significant repercussions on global climate patterns. While the glacier’s awe-inspiring beauty attracts visitors, the journey to this remote location is often considered arduous and costly, resulting in relatively few tourists venturing to witness its grandeur.
Top-10 Biggest Glaciers in the World
Lambert Fisher, located in Antarctica with the area of 400 km, claims the title biggest glacier in the world, followed by Hubbard Glacier, Fedchenko Glacier and Siachen Glacier.
Here is the list of top-10 largest glaciers in the world:
LAREGEST GLACIERS IN THE WORLD | |||
S. No. | Glacier | Location | Area |
1. | Lambert Fisher Glacier | Antarctica | 400 km |
2. | Hubbard Glacier | Alaska, USA | 122 km |
3. | Fedchenko Glacier | Tajikistan | 77 km |
4. | Siachen Glacier | India & Pakistan | 75 km |
5. | Biafo Glacier | Pakistan | 67 km |
6. | Bruggen Glacier | Chile | 66 km |
7. | Baltoro Glacier | Pakistan | 62 km |
8. | South Inylchek Glacier | Kyrgyzstan & China | 61 km |
9. | Jostedal Glacier | Norway | 60 km |
10. | Batura Glacier | Pakistan | 56 km |
World’s Biggest Glacier – Lambert Fisher Glacier
Location: Antarctica
Area: 400 km
Lambert Fisher Glacier, the world’s largest, resides in Antarctica, visible from space, showcasing evidence of glacial activity. Boasting dimensions of 400 km in length and 100 km in width, it constitutes 8% of the Arctic Ice Sheet. Despite its grandeur, the glacier’s retreat raises environmental concerns, contributing to rising sea levels and potential global climate impacts.
Second Biggest Glacier in the World – Hubbard Glacier
Location: Alaska, USA
Area: 122 km
Hubbard Glacier in Alaska, the world’s second-largest glacier, spans 122 km and holds the title of North America’s largest tidewater glacier. This extraordinary ice giant, known as the “galloping glacier,” defies global warming trends, presenting a unique spectacle for onlookers. Visitors can embark on boat cruises, getting remarkably close to witness the daily calving, creating a stunning display of ice crashing into the sea. Teeming with wildlife like seals, walruses, and polar bears, Hubbard Glacier offers unforgettable experiences through boat tours or edge-hiking, leaving an enduring impact on all who witness its grandeur.
Third Largest Glacier in the World – Fedchenko Glacier
Location: Tajikistan
Area: 77 km
Tajikistan hosts the world’s third-largest glacier, the Fedchenko Glacier, spanning 77 km in the non-polar Karakoram Mountain Range. Renowned for its breathtaking beauty, this colossal glacier straddles the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border in the Pamir Mountains, offering an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. Activities like hiking, mountain biking, and camping provide visitors with opportunities to explore the majestic surroundings. Fedchenko Glacier’s rapid movement, reaching up to 67 cm per day, feeds into the Surkhob River and the Amu Darya, contributing to the region’s dynamic landscape.