glaciers as systems Flashcards
1
Q
what system is a glacier
A
an open system with inputs, outputs and interactions with other systems
2
Q
mass balance
A
the difference between inputs (accumulation) and outputs (ablation)
3
Q
how does mass balance work
A
relative amount of inputs to outputs determines whether a glacier grows or decays
4
Q
positive balance
A
inputs>outputs causes a glacier to grow/advance
5
Q
negative balance
A
outputs>inputs causes a glacier to shrink/ retreat
6
Q
zone of accumulation
A
colder, higher altitude areas where inputs>outputs
7
Q
zone of ablation
A
warmer, lower altitude areas where outputs>inputs
8
Q
zone of equilibrium
A
between the zones of accumulation and ablation the mass balance will be equal where inputs=outputs
9
Q
A
