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Glaciated Landscapes and Change

The equilibrium line and how glaciers move

  • 3 things to know
  • Paper 1

Overview

Recall questions on the equilibrium line altitude, the accumulation and ablation zones, and basal slip against internal deformation.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started
Key term

What are polar glaciers and why do they move slowly?

Process

What role does meltwater play in basal slip?

Key term

What is the equilibrium line altitude (ELA)?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is the equilibrium line altitude (ELA)?

    Model answer

    The boundary on a glacier where annual accumulation equals annual ablation.

  2. 2

    Define the accumulation zone of a glacier.

    Model answer

    The upper part of a glacier above the equilibrium line where annual accumulation exceeds ablation.

  3. 3

    What are polar glaciers and why do they move slowly?

    Model answer

    Cold-based glaciers with basal temperatures below pressure melting point, frozen to their bed, resulting in very slow movement.

  4. 4

    What are temperate glaciers and why can they move faster?

    Model answer

    Warm-based glaciers with basal temperatures at or near pressure melting point, allowing meltwater at the base and faster movement.

  5. 5

    Why do polar glaciers move more slowly than temperate glaciers?

    Model answer

    Because they lack basal meltwater to facilitate sliding, as their base is frozen to the bedrock.

  6. 6

    What role does meltwater play in basal slip?

    Model answer

    Meltwater at the glacier base reduces friction between the ice and bedrock.

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