Glacial Processes and Landforms (Chapter 18) Flashcards
1
Q
What is a glacier?
A
A large mass of ice formed from compressed snow that flows slowly downslope.
2
Q
Name two types of glaciers.
A
Alpine glaciers (in mountainous areas) and ice sheets (covering large areas, e.g., Greenland, Antarctica).
3
Q
Define moraine.
A
A ridge of unsorted sediments (till) deposited by a glacier.
4
Q
What is firn?
A
Compressed granular snow that eventually turns into glacial ice.
5
Q
How does the glacial buzz saw work?
A
Glaciers erode mountains as they uplift, limiting their height.
6
Q
Why is the loss of glaciers significant for climate change?
A
Melting glaciers contribute to sea-level rise and indicate global warming.
