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A glacier (pronounced UK: /ˈɡlæsiə/ glass-ee-ər or US: /ˈɡleɪʃər/ glay-shər) is a large persistent body of ice that forms where the accumulation of snow exceeds its ablation (melting and sublimation) over many years, often centuries. At least 0.1 km² in area and 50 m thick, but often much larger, a glacier slowly deforms and flows due to stresses induced by its weight. Crevasses, seracs, and other distinguishing features of a glacier are due to its flow. Another consequence of glacier flow is the transport of rock and debris abraded from its substrate and resultant landforms like cirques and moraines. Glaciers form on land, often elevated, and are distinct from the much thinner sea ice and lake ice that form on the surface of bodies of water.

The word glacier comes from French. It is derived from the Vulgar Latin glacia and ultimately from Latin glacies meaning ice.[1] The processes and features caused by glaciers and related to them are referred to as glacial. The process of glacier establishment, growth and flow is calledglaciation. The corresponding area of study is called glaciology. Glaciers are important components of the global cryosphere.

On Earth, 99% of glacial ice is contained within vast ice sheets in the polar regions, but glaciers may be found in mountain ranges of everycontinent except Australia, and on a few high-latitude oceanic islands. In the tropics, glaciers occur only on high mountains.[2]

Glacial ice is the largest reservoir of freshwater on Earth, supporting one third of the world's population.[3] Many glaciers store water during one season and release it later as meltwater, a water source that is especially important for plants, animals and human uses when other sources may be scant.

Because glacial mass is affected by long-term climate changes, e.g., precipitation, mean temperature, and cloud cover, glacial mass changesare considered among the most sensitive indicators of climate change and are a major source of variations in sea level.

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Q: How do glacial erosions contribute to the formation of large lakes?
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How glacial erosion contributes to the formation of large lakes?

Glacial erosion occurs when glaciers move through an area, gouging into the land beneath. In areas where the soil is relatively soft, glaciers can gouge out areas that eventually turn into lakes.


How was gravity important in the formation of the great lakes?

As glaciers slowly move under the influence of gravity, they erode the landscape , leaving deep basins and valleys. The largest glacial lakes are the Great Lakes


When was Glacial Lakes State Park created?

Glacial Lakes State Park was created in 1963.


What are the 3 natural glacial lakes that are referred to the Iowa Great Lakes?

The Iowa Great Lakes


What are the 5 great lakes that are remnants of glacial lakes?

Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario.


What continent has thousands of glacial lakes?

Asia da!


The glacial lakes of ND?

The Glacial Lakes that helped to form the 'Plains' topography of North Dakota do not exist today. Several Glacial Lakes have been identified and named by geologists, however. Some of them were:Lake Souris,Lake Dakota,Lake McKenzie,and the largest, Lake Agassiz, which was named after Louis Agassiz (1807-1873), who is honored as the father of glacial geology.


What has the author Jack D Ives written?

Jack D. Ives has written: 'Formation of glacial lakes in the Hindu Kush-Himalayas and GLOF risk assessment' -- subject(s): Glacial lakes, Floods, Risk assessment 'The land beyond' -- subject(s): History, Travel, Earth sciences, Wilderness areas, Research, McGill Sub-Arctic Research Laboratory, Natural history, Graduate students, Biography 'Glacial lake outburst floods and risk engineering in the Himalaya' -- subject(s): Sediment transport, Glacial erosion


Where do many glacial lakes form?

On mountains and in cold climates


What of the following glacial features results from deposition a moraine?

Glacial moraine could dam and prevent glacial meltwater from escaping. Glacial lakes usually form behind the moraine as the thawing glacier retreats.


What forms when a glacier erodes a river valley?

Fiords and glacial lakes


What are two things formed by an alpine glacier?

erosion and glacial lakes