Glacial Systems

Question 1

What is a glacial system?

Answer 1

A natural system; defined by parts and processes, inputs and outputs of material and energy. It has a flow/transfer of energy throughout.

Question 2

Declines of glacial systemsm

Answer 2

Outputs: temperature rises -> snow melts -> decrease in albedo (reflectiveness of snow) ->more heart absorbed

Question 3

Formation of glacial systems

Answer 3

Inputs: snow falls -> melting, evaporation and compression -> 100 years worth of layer of ice -> Névé forms -> summer melts the ice

Question 4

Glacial energy balance

Answer 4

-Heat enters through solar and infrared radiation -> solar energy reflected by albedo -> absorbed into glacier -> surplus energy melts snow and ice -> heat released into environment
-Melting can occur below 0 °C
Sublimation can occur

Question 5

Glacial system: Positive feedback

Answer 5

Increase in ice -> increase in albedo -> increase in solar radiation reflected -> decrease in radiation absorbed -> decrease in temperature

Question 6

Glacial systems: Negative feedback

Answer 6

Melting of ice sheet -> increase in fresh water in oceans -> decrease in density of salt water -> change in ocean current -> potential temperature decrease

Question 7

What is the mass balance in winter?

Answer 7

Positive mass balance

Question 8

What is the mass balance in summer?

Answer 8

Negative mass balance

Question 9

Glacial budget

Answer 9

-Difference between accumulation and total ablation for 1 year
-Positive budget, balance and negative budget

Question 10

negative feedback loop

Answer 10

temperature increases -> ice melts -> less albedo -> more radiation absorbed