Systems and processes

Question 1

What is a positive glacial budget

Answer 1

When accumulation exceeds ablation so the glacier is advancing

Question 2

What is a negative glacial budget

Answer 2

When ablation exceeds accumulation so the glacier is retreating

Question 3

How do glacial budgets fluctuate yearly

Answer 3

More ablation in the summer months and there is more accumulation in the winter months.

Question 4

Inputs

Answer 4

Additions to a glacier system

Question 5

Outputs

Answer 5

Things that leave the glacier system usually in the form of meltwater

Question 6

What are the inputs of a glacier

Answer 6

Precipitation (snow & hail)
Avalanches
Blown snow
Debris that has been eroded and is transported by the glacier

Question 7

Stores / components

Answer 7

Stores / components are the mass that glaciers hold.
Stores within the glacier are ice but sediment from erosion and meltwater channels contribute to stores

Question 8

What are the outputs of a glacier

Answer 8

All ablation processes
Calving - ice bergs
melting - meltwater
Depositional landforms

Question 9

What are the 3 types of glacial stores

Answer 9

Subglacial - underneath the glacier
Englacial - within the glacier
Supraglacial - on top of the glacier

Question 10

Equilibrium line

Answer 10

The area where mass gain = mass loss