How Can A Glacier Be A System Flashcards
Glaciers are a (what) system
Glaciers are a open system
A system is……..
A system is a set of interrelated objects are connected together to form a working unit
Glacier inputs are ….
Meltwater, debris, precipitation, heat
Inputs come from….
Come from beyond the system and boundaries
Outputs of glacier system are….
Water vapour, debris, heat, meltwater
Stores in glacier system are…
Snow, ice, debris, meltwater
Energy Inputs
Kinetic energy - from movement of glacier + the wind
Grav Potential energy - stored in the glacier: deposition, mass, movement, weathering. Depends on glaciers position, e.g if glacier on steep slope = more gravitational potential energy
Thermal energy - from solar radiation + geothermal sources
Inputs of materials
Sediment (freeze thaw, rock falls, landslides), snowfall, avalanches, wind blown particles
materials and energy….
Materials and energy are both stored and moved through glacial landscapes and lost as outputs and various forms
Equilibrium
When a systems inputs and outputs are equal
Dynamic equilibrium
Is when equilibrium is disturbed and the system undergoes self-regulation and changes its form until equilibrium is restored.
