Eduqas A-Level Geography A110QS
Coastal LandscapesLandscape
Glaciated LandscapesLandscape
Changing Places
Water and Carbon Cycles
Global Migration
Global Governance of the Oceans
Tectonic Hazards
EcosystemsContemporary theme
Economic Growth and Challenge: IndiaContemporary theme
Economic Growth and Challenge: ChinaContemporary theme
Development in an African ContextContemporary theme
Energy Challenges and DilemmasContemporary theme
Weather and ClimateContemporary theme
Geographical Skills
Glaciated Landscapes
The glacier as a system: inputs, outputs, stores and transfers
- 3 things to know
- Component 1 Section A
Overview
Main inputs of mass to a glacier, energy inputs to a glacial system and main outputs from a glacier.
What you need to know
Answer each one before you reveal it.
Name the main inputs of mass to a glacier.
What are the energy inputs to a glacial system?
Questions from this subtopic
Each one with the model answer underneath.
- 1
Why is a glacier described as an open system?
Model answer
A glacier exchanges both energy and matter with its surroundings. Snow and rock debris enter it and meltwater and sediment leave it.
- 2
Name the main inputs of mass to a glacier.
Model answer
Direct snowfall is the largest input to most glaciers. Avalanches from valley sides, wind-blown snow and rockfall debris add further material.
- 3
What are the energy inputs to a glacial system?
Model answer
Solar radiation, geothermal heat from the bedrock and the potential energy of ice held at altitude are the energy inputs. Friction at the bed converts some of that potential energy into heat.
- 4
List the main outputs from a glacier.
Model answer
Meltwater, calved icebergs, water vapour lost by sublimation and deposited sediment are the outputs. All are grouped together as ablation.
- 5
Define ablation.
Model answer
Ablation is the total loss of mass from a glacier by any process. The processes involved are melting, sublimation, calving and wind erosion of snow.
- 6
Define accumulation.
Model answer
Accumulation is the total gain of mass by a glacier. Snowfall, avalanche and wind-blown snow are the main contributors.
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