In the hills above White Pine Lake, Utah, there exists a natural marvel. Amidst the loose rocks lies concealed glacier ice. This isn’t an isolated phenomenon. The western United States hosts over 10,000 rock glaciers, yet many remain unnoticed by the casual observer.

Unlike the typical snowy glaciers we recognize, rock glaciers do not receive the same attention from researchers. Despite their obscurity, they contain a glimmer of hope for the climate. Beneath their rocky exteriors, rock glaciers hold ice that could potentially serve as a vital water source in the future.

These formations demonstrate a significant aspect of our environment that calls for further study. Understanding these hidden glaciers could contribute to new strategies in managing water resources in a changing climate.

The information stems from Scott Hotaling’s observations, encouraging us to consider the unrecognized wonders of nature. For a deeper dive into similar scientific insights, you can explore the work of science correspondent Nell Greenfieldboyce.

Interested in more hidden scientific discoveries? Contact Short Wave at [email protected]. Catch up on episodes of Short Wave on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts. For an ad-free experience and to support NPR’s work, consider subscribing to Short Wave+ available at plus.npr.org/shortwave.

This episode was produced by Jessica Yung and edited by Rebecca Ramirez. Tyler Jones ensured the facts are accurate, while Patrick Murray handled the audio engineering.