Glacier Formation and Flow

Formation Processes

• Necessary Conditions:
  • High altitude or high-latitude location
  • Sufficient precipitation (snowfall) to accumulate and compact into ice
  • Temperature below freezing point for an extended period
• Glacier Formation Stages:
  1. Accumulation: Snow falls and accumulates in a high-altitude or high-latitude region.
  2. Compaction: Snow is compressed into firn (granular ice) due to its own weight.
  3. Recrystallization: Firn is transformed into glacial ice through recrystallization.

Formation and Flow of Glaciers

• Glacier Formation Types:
  • Alpine Glaciers: Form in mountain valleys and move downhill due to gravity.
  • Continental Glaciers: Form in high-latitude or high-altitude regions, covering large areas.
• Glacier Flow:
  • Plastic Flow: Glacial ice deforms and flows under its own weight, similar to a very viscous fluid.
  • Basal Sliding: Glacial ice slides over the underlying bedrock or sediment.
• Glacier Motion Factors:
  • Gravity: Primary driving force behind glacier flow.
  • Ice Thickness: Thicker ice exerts more pressure, increasing flow rates.
  • Temperature: Warmer temperatures increase flow rates by reducing ice viscosity.
  • Bed Topography: Underlying terrain influences glacier flow patterns.