GL10 Physical Factors affecting Glaciated Landscapes

Question 1

How does aspect affect precipitation patterns?

Answer 1

• Aspect can impact microclimate and the movement of glaciers. If the aspect of a slope faces away from the direction of the sun, temperatures are likely to remain lower, causing a positive mass balance and glacier advance.

Question 2

How does aspect affect ablation and mass balance?

Answer 2

• If the aspect of a slope faces away from the direction of the sun, temperatures are likely to remain below zero for longer, causing less melting and a positive mass balance, leading to glacier advance.

Question 3

Which direction would you expect cirque glaciers to face in Patagonia? Why?

Answer 3

• One would expect cirque glaciers to face to the east in Patagonia because the westerly winds cause orographic lifting, leading to more precipitation on the eastern slopes.

Question 4

What do the White Glacier temperature and flow velocity data suggest about the relationship between glacier movement and temperature?

Answer 4

• The data suggest that there is a positive correlation between glacier movement and temperature. As temperatures increase, so does the velocity of glacier movement.

Question 5

How can you explain the relationship between glacier movement and temperature?

Answer 5

• As temperatures rise, the ice will start to melt, creating a meltwater system that lubricates the glacier’s movement, allowing it to flow more easily.

Question 6

Which flows of energy are happening in the situation where wind carries erosion and deposition?

Answer 6

Aeolian processes, where wind carries erosion and deposition, are happening in this situation.

Question 7

What are the factors in the balance of a glacier?

Answer 7

Precipitation totals and temperature are factors in the balance of a glacier.

Question 8

How does geology influence glaciated landscapes?

Answer 8

Geology refers to the physical and chemical composition of rocks, and it influences the resistance of rocks to erosion, weathering, and mass movement.

Question 9

How does the gradient of a slope affect glacier movement?

Answer 9

As the gradient of a slope decreases, the ice thickens and compresses, closing the crevasses, which is known as compressing flow.

Question 10

How are glaciated landscapes in high altitudes different from those in low latitudes?

Answer 10

Glaciated landscapes in high altitudes tend to have higher precipitation inputs, but more variable temperatures and hence more summer melting. Glaciated landscapes in low latitudes tend to develop under the influence of dynamic valley glaciers.

Question 11

Which unseen factors may also be making a difference to the glaciated landscapes here?

Answer 11

Factors such as human impacts, tectonic activity, and sea level change may also be making a difference to the glaciated landscapes.

Question 12

How do some of the factors above influence McMurdo and Aletsch differently?

Answer 12

Higher rates of precipitation influence the Aletsch more than McMurdo. The geology, relief, altitude,