10.1.1

Distribution of Glaciers

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Overview of Glaciers

Glaciers are large masses of ice that are found in the coldest regions of the world.

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What are glaciers made of?

  • Glaciers are made mainly of snow that has been compressed and compacted over centuries to form thick ice masses.
  • Rocks and sediment can also be found in glaciers.
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Where are glaciers found?

  • The conditions that are needed for glaciers to form are:
    • An average annual temperature of around 0oC.
    • Lots of snow in the winters.
    • At no point in the year are temperatures high enough to melt all the snow that fell in the last winter.
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Facts about glaciers

  • 75% of the world's fresh water is held in glaciers.
  • 10% of the land on Earth is covered by glaciers.
  • Glaciers can be found in 47 different countries.

Jump to other topics

1Geography Skills

2Geology of the UK

3Geography of the World

4Development

5Weather & Climate

6The World of Work

7Natural Resources

8Rivers

9Coasts

10Glaciers

11Tectonics

12Climate Change

13Global Population & Inequality

14Urbanisation

15Ecosystems

16Life in an Emerging Country

17Analysis of Africa

18Analysis of India

19Analysis of the Middle East

20Analysis of Bangladesh

21Analysis of Russia

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