EQ2 Keywords

Question 1

What is the process of accumulation in glacial environments?

Answer 1

The process of gaining mass in a glacier through snowfall and ice formation

Accumulation is critical for glacier growth and stability.

Question 2

Define ablation in the context of glaciers.

Answer 2

The process of losing mass from a glacier through melting, sublimation, and calving

Ablation reduces glacier size and affects sea level rise.

Question 3

What does positive balance refer to in glaciology?

Answer 3

where accumulation > ablation

Positive balance leads to glacier growth.

Question 4

What does negative balance indicate in a glacier?

Answer 4

where ablation > accumulation

Negative balance results in glacier retreat.

Question 5

List the types of glacial erosion.

Answer 5

• Abrasion
• Plucking
• Fracture and traction
• Dilation
• Meltwater erosion

Each type contributes differently to landscape formation.

Question 6

What is glacial abrasion?

Answer 6

The process of wearing down rock surfaces as glaciers move over them

Abrasion creates striations and smooths rock faces.

Question 7

Define plucking in glaciology.

Answer 7

The process where glaciers lift and remove rocks from the ground

Plucking contributes to the formation of features like glacial valleys.

Question 8

What is meltwater erosion?

Answer 8

Erosion caused by water from melting glaciers

Meltwater can transport sediment and shape landforms.

Question 9

What are the three types of glacial debris entrapment?

Answer 9

• Supraglacial
• Subglacial
• Englacial

Each type refers to the location of debris within or on a glacier.

Question 10

What does supraglacial debris refer to?

Answer 10

Material located on the surface of a glacier

Supraglacial debris can affect albedo and melting rates.

Question 11

What is englacial debris?

Answer 11

Debris that is trapped within the ice of a glacier

Englacial debris can provide insights into past environmental conditions.

Question 12

Define subglacial debris.

Answer 12

Material that is located beneath a glacier

Subglacial debris plays a role in the glacier’s movement and erosion.

Question 13

What is the micro scale in glaciology?

Answer 13

Refers to small-scale processes and features in glacial environments

Micro-scale features include individual grains of sediment.

Question 14

What does meso scale refer to?

Answer 14

Refers to intermediate-scale processes and features in glacial environments

Meso-scale features include small valleys and ridges.

Question 15

Define macro scale in the context of glaciers.

Answer 15

Refers to large-scale processes and features in glacial environments

Macro-scale features include entire glacier systems and large landforms.