Unit 1

Question 1

Why are glaciers important?

Answer 1

• 1/3rd of the world’s pop. relies on it for drinking water
• Irrigation for crops
• Tourism
• Hydroelectric Power

Question 2

What is the mass balance?

Answer 2

the difference between inputs (accumulation) and outputs (ablation).

Positive = inputs > outputs
Negative = outputs > inputs
Line of equilibrium = Inputs = Outputs

Question 3

Inputs causing accumulation?

Answer 3

• Precipitation
• Rock debris
• Avalanche debris
• Wind-blown snow
• De-Sublimation (condensation into ice)

Question 4

Outputs causing ablation?

Answer 4

• Meltwater
• Calving (break-away of ice blocks)
• Sublimation
• Solar energy

Question 5

What is the Milankovitch cycle?

Answer 5

Periodic changes in orbital characteristics of a planet.

• Controls how much sunlight a planet receives

Question 6

What are the causes of short term climate change?

Answer 6

1: Solar Forcing
(energy released by sun)

2: Volcanic Eruptions
(explosive eruptions propel ash into stratosphere, blocking/reflecting solar radiation)

3: Anthropogenic Factors
(human factors increasing concentration of green-house gasses resulting in increase of global average temperatures)

Question 7

What is Firm snow?

Answer 7

Snow that has lasted over 2 years. Forms when snow repeatedly falls on a layer of snow and exerts pressure on old snow.