Relief and Aspect affecting glaciated landsxapes Flashcards
What are the major controls on climate?
The major controls on climate are latitude and altitude.
What impact do relief and aspect have on microclimate and the movement of glaciers?
Relief and aspect have an impact on microclimate and the movement of glaciers.
How does relief affect the movement of glaciers?
The steeper the relief of the landscape, the greater the resultant force of gravity and the more energy a glacier will have to move downslope.
What is the influence of air temperature on the melting of snow and ice and the behaviour of glacier systems?
Where air temperature is close to zero, it can have a significant influence on the melting of snow and ice and the behaviour of glacier systems.
How does the aspect of a slope affect the melting of snow and ice?
If the aspect of a slope faces away from the general direction of the Sun, temperatures are likely to remain below zero for longer, as less solar energy is received, and so less melting occurs.
What is the likely mass balance of glaciers with an aspect facing away from the Sun?
The mass balance of glaciers in locations with an aspect facing away from the Sun is likely to be positive, causing them to advance.
What is the likely mass balance of glaciers with an aspect facing towards the Sun?
The mass balance of glaciers in locations with an aspect facing towards the Sun is likely to be negative, causing them to retreat.
How do differences in mass balance affect the erosive power of glaciers and the shaping of the landscape?
Differences in mass balance not only affect the mass balance, but also influence the shaping of the landscape. Glaciers with a positive mass balance are more likely to be larger, with greater erosive power, and much more erosive than small ones and those in retreat due to a negative mass balance.
