Glaciers As Systems Flashcards
What are the processes/transfers in a glacier?
Ice movement
Erosion( abrasion/plucking)
Transportation
Deposition
What are the inputs in a glacier?
Energy-solar ad kinetic Precipitation Moraine Avalanches Condensation
What are the output?
Ablation Calving Sediment Evaporation Meltwater Sublimination Blown away
What type of system?
Open system
What happens in the zone of accumulation
Inputs exceed out puts
What are the 4 interrelated factors that combined to develop a glacier?
Higher altitudes- more precipitation (orographic effect)
New snow reflective-absorbs less heat- melts slower
Stronger wind causes snow to be blown into hollows and basins so snow accumulates
As temp low so are loses
Where zone of ablation/ what happens
Snout, out puts exceed inputs
What melting happens at zone of ablation?
Surface
Basal
Within glacier
What is the dividing line called?
Firn or equilibrium line
What is the difference between the total accumulation and total ablation for the whole glacier over one year called
Glacial budget or net balance
What is the glacial budget calculated for?
Balance year
When does the balance year run from
Autumn to autumn
What is positive mass balance?
Accumulation > ablation
Winter
Advancing
What is negative mass balance
Ablation > acclimation
Spring/summer
Retreating
What are stores?
Ice
Meltwater
Debris
