Glacial Budget/mass balance, ablation & accumulation, equillibrium line Flashcards
What is the balance between accumulation and ablation in glaciers known as?
Mass balance of the glacier
It is largely dependent on climate.
Under what conditions will a glacier form?
Whenever a body of snow accumulates, compacts and turns to ice
This can occur in any climatic zone where the input of snow exceeds the rate at which it melts.
What factors determine the length of time required to form a glacier?
Rate of snow accumulation and transformation into ice
A high rate of accumulation and low loss due to melting leads to quicker glacier formation.
What will happen if the amount of ablation equals the amount of accumulation over a year?
The net balance of the glacier will be zero
Its size will remain constant.
What occurs if there is more accumulation than ablation?
The net balance will be positive and the glacier will grow and expand
Conversely, a negative mass balance leads to glacier disappearance.
What is the study of glacier mass balance focused on?
Inputs and outputs to the glacial ice system
It includes the study of how inputs survive summer ablation.
List the inputs to a glacier’s mass balance.
- Snow
- Hail
- Frost
- Avalanche snow
- Rainfall
These inputs contribute to the glacier’s formation.
What is termed as outputs from the mass balance system?
Ablation
Ablation can occur through various processes.
How can ablation occur?
- Ice melt
- Iceberg calving
- Sublimation
These processes contribute to the loss of glacier mass.
What is glacial meltwater derived from?
Direct melting of ice on the surface of, or within, a glacier
This process is crucial for understanding glacier dynamics.
What does the Equilibrium Line (ELA) mark on a glacier?
The area or zone where accumulation is balanced by ablation over a 1-year period
The ELA is sensitive to meteorological factors.
What meteorological factors affect the Equilibrium Line (ELA)?
- Variations in winter precipitation
- Summer temperature
- Wind transport of dry snow
These factors influence the glacier’s mass balance.
