The glacial system

Question 1

Define the term cryosphere?

Answer 1

The cryosphere is the parts of the Earth’s crust and atmosphere subject to temperatures below 0 degrees for at least part of each year. The cryosphere consists of ice sheets and glaciers together with sea ice, lake ice, ground ice (permafrost) and snow cover.

Question 2

Which two aspects of the cryosphere are not ice masses and cannot be investigated using a systems approach?

Answer 2

• Ground ice
• Snow cover

Question 3

What is an open system?

Answer 3

An open system is one in which energy and materials move across its boundaries.

Question 4

What is a closed system?

Answer 4

In a closed system, there is no transfer of energy or matter across the external boundaries of the system.

Question 5

Describe the structure of open systems?

Answer 5

All open systems have the same structure or organisation. They are dynamic and consist of inputs of materials and energy which are transferred along different pathways (throughputs) to a store and are transferred from stores as outputs.

Question 6

Glaciers and ice sheets cover approximately what percentage of the Earth’s land surface?

Answer 6

10%

Question 7

When do glacial systems form?

Answer 7

Glacial systems form when the majority of precipitation received is in the form of snow and when the total annual solar radiation received is insufficient to melt the total annual snowfall.

Question 8

In terms of latitude and altitude, where are present day glacial systems located?

Answer 8

Present day glacial systems are located at high latitudes (such as Antarctica and Greenland) and high altitudes (such as the Rocky Mountains and The Himalayas).