Glaciers as a natural system Flashcards
What is accumulation
The addition of mass to the glacier by precipitation
What are examples of inputs into the glacial system
- Snow
- Hail
- Rain
- Debris may enter and then be transported
- Avalanches from other areas
What is ablation
The natural removal/loss of mass from the glacier
What are examples of outputs from the glacial system
- Meltwater
- Evaporation
- Sublimation
- Calving
What is the accumulation zone
Area of net gain in a glacier
What is the ablation zone
Area of net loss in a glacier
What is glacial budget
The mass of a glacier
The difference between accumulation and ablation
What is positive glacial budget
When accumulation is exceeding ablation so the glacier is advancing
What is negative glacial budget
When ablation is exceeding accumulation so the glacier is retreating
What is an input
Additions to the glacier system through accumulation
What is an output
Things that leave the glacier system through ablation
What are stores/components in a glacial system
The mass that glaciers hold, mainly ice but can be sediments from erosion and meltwater
What are flows in a glaciers, and what types of flows occur within them
Flows refers to the transfer of mass and energy within the glacier. Glaciers move through flows such as compressional and extensional flow
What type of energy does a glacier have
Kinetic energy which allows erosion and movement to occur. Gravity forces the glacier downhill
What is dynamic equilibrium
State of balance
