Distribution of Glaciers
Geography: KS3, topic 10.1.1
Overview of Glaciers
Glaciers are large masses of ice that are found in the coldest regions of the world.
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.
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.
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.
Test yourself on Distribution of Glaciers
Which of the following is true of glaciers?
What % of the land on Earth is covered by glaciers?