Glaciers Flashcards

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1
Q

What is a glacier?

A

A glacier is a massive, slow-moving body of ice formed from compacted layers of snow.

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2
Q

True or False: Glaciers only exist in Antarctica.

A

False

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3
Q

What are the two main types of glaciers?

A

The two main types of glaciers are valley glaciers and continental glaciers.

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4
Q

Fill in the blank: The largest ice sheet in the world is located in ______.

A

Antarctica

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5
Q

What is the primary cause of glacier retreat?

A

The primary cause of glacier retreat is climate change, leading to increased temperatures and melting.

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6
Q

Which region is known for its extensive ice caps and glaciers?

A

The Arctic region.

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7
Q

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a consequence of melting glaciers? A) Rising sea levels B) Increased biodiversity C) More freshwater availability

A

A) Rising sea levels

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8
Q

What is the term for the process by which glaciers flow and shape the landscape?

A

Glacial erosion

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9
Q

True or False: The Antarctic ice sheet contains about 60% of the world’s fresh water.

A

True

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10
Q

What is the impact of melting Arctic sea ice on global weather patterns?

A

Melting Arctic sea ice can disrupt weather patterns, leading to extreme weather events.

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11
Q

Fill in the blank: The phenomenon where glaciers melt and contribute to rising sea levels is known as ______.

A

glacial melt

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12
Q

Short Answer: Name one major glacier in the Arctic.

A

The Jakobshavn Glacier.

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13
Q

What is the significance of the Antarctic Peninsula in climate change studies?

A

The Antarctic Peninsula is one of the fastest-warming regions on Earth.

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14
Q

True or False: Glaciers can grow in size if temperatures remain constant.

A

True

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15
Q

What is the term for the boundary between the zone of accumulation and the zone of ablation in a glacier?

A

The equilibrium line.

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16
Q

Multiple Choice: Which of the following factors contributes to glacier formation? A) High temperatures B) Low precipitation C) Cold temperatures

A

C) Cold temperatures

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17
Q

Fill in the blank: The melting of glaciers contributes to ______, which can lead to coastal flooding.

A

sea level rise

18
Q

What role do glaciers play in Earth’s freshwater supply?

A

Glaciers serve as a crucial freshwater reservoir, releasing water gradually into rivers and lakes.

19
Q

True or False: All glaciers are retreating due to climate change.

A

False

20
Q

What is the name of the process by which glaciers transport rocks and sediment?

A

Glacial transport

21
Q

Short Answer: What is permafrost?

A

Permafrost is permanently frozen ground found in polar regions.

22
Q

Multiple Choice: What percentage of the world’s freshwater is stored in glaciers? A) 20% B) 30% C) 69%

A

C) 69%

23
Q

Fill in the blank: The loss of glaciers can disrupt ______ water supplies for millions of people.

A

drinking

24
Q

What is the main driver of climate change affecting glaciers?

A

Human-induced greenhouse gas emissions.

25
Q

True or False: The Arctic is experiencing warming at twice the global average rate.

A

True

26
Q

What is a significant effect of glacier melt on ocean currents?

A

It can alter ocean salinity and disrupt major ocean currents.

27
Q

Fill in the blank: The ______ effect refers to the warming of the Arctic region faster than other parts of the world.

A

Arctic amplification

28
Q

Short Answer: What is calving in the context of glaciers?

A

Calving is the process where chunks of ice break off from the edge of a glacier.

29
Q

What is the relationship between glaciers and sea level rise?

A

As glaciers melt, they contribute water to the oceans, leading to sea level rise.

30
Q

True or False: Glaciers can form in areas with high temperatures if there is enough snowfall.

A

True

31
Q

What are ice shelves, and where are they commonly found?

A

Ice shelves are floating extensions of glaciers found in Antarctica.

32
Q

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a type of glacier? A) Valley glacier B) Ice cap C) Snowfield

A

C) Snowfield

33
Q

Fill in the blank: The phenomenon of glaciers moving due to gravity is called ______.

A

glacial flow

34
Q

What is the primary method used to study glacier dynamics?

A

Satellite remote sensing.

35
Q

True or False: Glaciers can influence local climates by affecting wind patterns.

A

True

36
Q

What is the term for meltwater that flows from glaciers?

A

Glacial meltwater

37
Q

Short Answer: What is the main difference between valley glaciers and continental glaciers?

A

Valley glaciers flow down valleys, while continental glaciers cover vast areas and are not confined to valleys.

38
Q

What is a glacier’s zone of accumulation?

A

The area where snow accumulates and compacts to form ice.

39
Q

Multiple Choice: What is one major consequence of the loss of Arctic ice? A) Increased carbon capture B) Improved shipping routes C) More stable weather patterns

A

B) Improved shipping routes

40
Q

Fill in the blank: The ______ is the line on a glacier where accumulation equals ablation.

A

equilibrium line

41
Q

What is the significance of the Greenland ice sheet?

A

The Greenland ice sheet is the second largest ice body on Earth and a critical indicator of climate change.

42
Q

True or False: Glacial melt can lead to the release of trapped greenhouse gases.

A

True