ES-10.2-How Glaciers Move

Movement within the ice due to molecular layers sliding over one another.

Entire ice mass slipping along the ground, with the lowest portions moving by sliding.

Ice melting and refreezing at the glacier's surface.

Wind-driven movement of ice across the landscape.

The upper layer is brittle and tension over irregular terrain creates deep cracks.

The upper layer melts faster than the lower layer.

The glacier moves faster at the edges than in the center.

The glacier is heated by geothermal energy from below which generates fractures above

The zone of accumulation is above the snowline and promotes glacier movement.

The equilibrium line is where accumulation equals wastage.

The zone of wastage is above the snowline and thickens the glacier.

Snowline elevation is constant across all regions.

Plastic flow and basal sliding

Melting and freezing

Erosion and deposition

Condensation and sublimation