Glaciers T1: The glacier system

Question 1

How is a glacier formed?

Answer 1

1. Increased snow fall creates snow packs.
2. Meltwater at the base freezes.
3. Overtime this increases to become a glacier.
4. Increased accumulation causes the advancement of the glacier.

Question 2

How does the glacier work as system?

Answer 2

They have inputs, outputs, stores and deposits that work together to create the system. They act in equilibrium but if one component changes the opposing one is not effected.

Question 3

What is an input?

Answer 3

Something that goes into the glacier to help it grow or advance. E.G. snow, rain, hail etc…

Question 4

What is an output?

Answer 4

Something that leaves the glacier. E.G. meltwater, water vapour etc…

Question 5

What is a store?

Answer 5

Something that is held within the glacier. E.G. sediment, till, moraine etc…

Question 6

What is a deposit?

Answer 6

Something that is dropped by the glacier. E.G. sediment, till, moraine etc…

Question 7

What is mass balance?

Answer 7

This is the balance of inputs, outputs. This balance determines the maintenance of the glacier, but if one component of the glacier changes rate, the rate of the others is not effected.

Question 8

How does climate affect the glacial system.

Answer 8

Long term: The advancement or retreat of the glacier and consequently the formation of landforms.
Short term: change in mass balance, advancement or retreat, over a time frame like a year.