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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.

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Key term

Why is a glacier described as an open system?

Key term

Name the main inputs of mass to a glacier.

Key term

What are the energy inputs to a glacial system?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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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