10.1.4

Formation & Movement of Glaciers

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Formation and Movement of Glaciers

Glacial ice can form in upland or polar areas. Over time, the amount of snow accumulates until it becomes so heavy that it compresses. This results in the formation of hard, dense ice that flows down-slope.

Illustrative background for Zone of accumulationIllustrative background for Zone of accumulation ?? "content

Zone of accumulation

  • The zone of accumulation is when a glacier gains more ice than it loses in a year.
    • This causes glaciers to advance down-slope.
Illustrative background for Zone of ablationIllustrative background for Zone of ablation ?? "content

Zone of ablation

  • Ablation is another way of saying melting.
  • The zone of ablation is when a glacier loses more ice than it gains in a year.
    • This causes glaciers to retreat up-slope.
    • In recent decades, most glaciers have been retreating because of climate change.

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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