Formation & Movement of Glaciers
Geography: KS3, topic 10.1.4
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.
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.
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.
Test yourself on Formation & Movement of Glaciers
Which of the following is another word for melting?