Glacial systems and the glacial budget Flashcards
1
Q
What is the glacial budget?
A
the glacial budget considers the balance between the inputs and the outputs. kinda like mass balance (although that is a generic term).
2
Q
The accumulation zone
A
- net gain of ice over the course of a year
- inputs: snow + ice exceed outputs.
3
Q
The ablation zone
A
- net loss of ice during the year
- losses e.g. meltwater + calving exceeds gains.
4
Q
Equilibrium line
A
The boundary, where gains and losses are balanced, is called the equilibrium line.
5
Q
what is the result of mass balance fluctuating?
A
- equilibrium line will move either up or down.
6
Q
what is the mass balance linked to?
A
- advance/retreat of the glacier snout
7
Q
how does mass balance vary?
A
varies seasonally
8
Q
mass balance in the summer?
A
ablation will be at its highest due to rapid melting
9
Q
mass balance in the winter?
A
high amounts of snowfall and limited melting = accumulation exceed ablation
