What is indicated by a glacier's terminus?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the definition of a glacier's terminus, specifically what it represents in relation to the glacier's flow and physical characteristics. The goal is to identify the correct definition from the given options.
Answer
Indicates glacier's advance or retreat based on snow and ice balance.
A glacier's terminus indicates whether a glacier is advancing or retreating based on the balance between snowfall accumulation and ice melting.
Answer for screen readers
A glacier's terminus indicates whether a glacier is advancing or retreating based on the balance between snowfall accumulation and ice melting.
More Information
The terminus of a glacier is also known as the glacier's toe or snout. If more ice and snow accumulate at the glacier's higher elevations than what melts at its lower elevations, the terminus will advance. Conversely, if melting outpaces accumulation, the terminus will retreat.
Tips
A common mistake is to only consider temperature when assessing glacier behavior, but snowfall and overall ice accumulation are equally important.
Sources
- Anatomy of a Glacier - National Park Service - nps.gov
- Glacier Terminus - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
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