Edexcel A-Level Geography 9GE0
Tectonic Processes and Hazards
Glaciated Landscapes and ChangeLandscape
Coastal Landscapes and ChangeLandscape
Globalisation
Regenerating PlacesPlaces
Diverse PlacesPlaces
The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity
The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security
Superpowers
Health, Human Rights and InterventionConnections
Migration, Identity and SovereigntyConnections
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.
What role does meltwater play in basal slip?
What is the equilibrium line altitude (ELA)?
Questions from this subtopic
Each one with the model answer underneath.
- 1
What is the equilibrium line altitude (ELA)?
Model answer
The boundary on a glacier where annual accumulation equals annual ablation.
- 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
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
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
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
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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