glaciers as systems Flashcards

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1
Q

what system is a glacier

A

an open system with inputs, outputs and interactions with other systems

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2
Q

mass balance

A

the difference between inputs (accumulation) and outputs (ablation)

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3
Q

how does mass balance work

A

relative amount of inputs to outputs determines whether a glacier grows or decays

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4
Q

positive balance

A

inputs>outputs causes a glacier to grow/advance

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5
Q

negative balance

A

outputs>inputs causes a glacier to shrink/ retreat

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6
Q

zone of accumulation

A

colder, higher altitude areas where inputs>outputs

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7
Q

zone of ablation

A

warmer, lower altitude areas where outputs>inputs

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8
Q

zone of equilibrium

A

between the zones of accumulation and ablation the mass balance will be equal where inputs=outputs

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9
Q
A
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