Glaciation Pack C

Question 1

Where is ice now and why?

Answer 1

Ice sheets - Greenland (11% of ice) and Antarctica (85% of ice)
Remaining 4% of ice - Iceland, North Canada, Alaska, Himalayas, Rockies, Cascades, Andes and Alps

Question 2

Where was ice 20,000 years ago?

Answer 2

Ice sheets - Greenland, Laurentide, Patagonian, Eurasian, Antarctica
Ice caps - South Island, Himalayas

Question 3

What are the three states of equilibria

Answer 3

Steady-state:
- Changes in accumulation and ablation but they don’t vary much so the glacier’s overall size stays the same
E.g. seasons

Metastable:
- Changes from one state of equilibrium to a new state of equilibrium due to an event causing a change in conditions
E.g. subglacial volcanic activity

Dynamic:
- State of equilibrium changes over a longer timescale
E.g. climate change