2. Ice formation and movement - 2 types of Glaciers

Question 1

Explain Temperate (alpine)/warm-based glaciers.

Answer 1

**Temperate (alpine)/warm-based glaciers **melt in summer, releasing huge amounts of meltwater. This acts as a lubricant, reducing friction. Temperate glaciers move by basal sliding/slipping, extensional/compressional flow, creep and surges. This type of glacier is more likely to erode, transport and deposit material.

Question 2

Explain Polar/cold-based glaciers.

Answer 2

**Polar/cold-based glaciers **occur in areas where the temperature is permanently below 0°c, and therefore no melting occurs. Movement is slower than in temperate (alpine)/warm-based glaciers as they are frozen to their beds and thus move mainly by internal deformation. Much less erosion, transportation and deposition occurs.