Final answer:
The Athabasca River originates from the Columbia Glacier in Alberta and flows into Lake Athabasca. Glaciers have a profound effect on their surroundings, carving landscapes and providing a steady supply of meltwater which becomes a source of fresh water for rivers like the Athabasca.
Step-by-step explanation:
The river that originates from the Columbia Glacier in Alberta and empties into Lake Athabasca is known as the Athabasca River. The Columbia Glacier is a significant source of meltwater contributing to this river's flow.
Glaciers like the Columbia Glacier have played a crucial role in shaping the landscapes they flow through, as they carve valleys and transport debris from high elevations to lower areas where the ice melts. The meltwater from glaciers is a vital source of fresh water, and when it reaches places like Lake Athabasca, it can have a significant impact on the local ecosystem.
Throughout history, glaciers have fluctuated in size, with periods of expansion during colder climates, such as the Little Ice Age, and retreats during warmer periods. Glaciers like Columbia Glacier serve as natural reservoirs, trapping snow and ice that gradually release water through melting, a process that sustains rivers and lakes downstream throughout the seasons.