0
Snow and firn are compressed into a mass of ice due to the weight of the overlying snow, which increases pressure on the underlying layers. This pressure causes the snow crystals to recrystallize, expelling air and turning into denser ice. Over time, continued compression and recrystallization lead to the formation of glacier ice.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
How is snow transformed into glacial ice?
Snow is transformed into glacial ice through a process called firnification, where successive layers of snow are compressed under their weight into firn, a compacted snow with some air pockets. Over time, the firn undergoes further compaction and recrystallization, becoming glacial ice. This process can take several decades to centuries depending on the accumulation rate and temperatures.
Which came first the snowfield or the glacier?
A snowfield typically forms before a glacier. Snow accumulates on high-altitude areas, gradually turning into firn (a type of compacted snow). Over time, the firn transforms into glacial ice, leading to the development of a glacier.
Why is the weight of snow needed to make glacier ice?
The weight of accumulated snow compresses lower layers, causing them to undergo a process called firnification, where air is squeezed out and the snow turns into firn, a dense, grainy type of snow. Over time, this firn further compresses into glacier ice due to the pressure and weight of the overlying snow and ice layers.
What is the middle layer of a glacier?
The middle layer of a glacier is called the "firn zone". This layer is composed of partially compacted snow that is in the process of being transformed into ice. The firn zone is found between the surface snow accumulation zone and the deeper layers of glacier ice.
What happens to snow packed down by a great force?
When snow is packed down by a great force, it becomes denser and more compact. This can create a layer of firn, which is partially compacted snow between fresh snow and glacial ice. Over time, this firn can further compress into glacial ice through the process of metamorphism.
What is snow that survives one melting season?
Firn
What is snow that survives one melt season call?
Firn
How is snow transformed into glacial ice?
Snow is transformed into glacial ice through a process called firnification, where successive layers of snow are compressed under their weight into firn, a compacted snow with some air pockets. Over time, the firn undergoes further compaction and recrystallization, becoming glacial ice. This process can take several decades to centuries depending on the accumulation rate and temperatures.
Which air mass causes snow?
An arctic air mass typically causes snow, as it brings cold temperatures and moisture to an area, resulting in the development of snowfall.
Which came first the snowfield or the glacier?
A snowfield typically forms before a glacier. Snow accumulates on high-altitude areas, gradually turning into firn (a type of compacted snow). Over time, the firn transforms into glacial ice, leading to the development of a glacier.
Why is the weight of snow needed to make glacier ice?
The weight of accumulated snow compresses lower layers, causing them to undergo a process called firnification, where air is squeezed out and the snow turns into firn, a dense, grainy type of snow. Over time, this firn further compresses into glacier ice due to the pressure and weight of the overlying snow and ice layers.
What is the middle layer of a glacier?
The middle layer of a glacier is called the "firn zone". This layer is composed of partially compacted snow that is in the process of being transformed into ice. The firn zone is found between the surface snow accumulation zone and the deeper layers of glacier ice.
What happens to snow packed down by a great force?
When snow is packed down by a great force, it becomes denser and more compact. This can create a layer of firn, which is partially compacted snow between fresh snow and glacial ice. Over time, this firn can further compress into glacial ice through the process of metamorphism.
How do gases and particles get trapped in the different layers in an ice core?
Gases and particles get trapped in ice cores through processes like firn densification and bubble entrapment during the formation of glacier ice. As snow accumulates and gets buried over time, the weight causes air to be compressed and trapped in bubbles within the ice. Particles can also be incorporated into the ice as it forms from the compaction of snow layers, preserving a record of past atmospheric conditions.
Why does the snow that forms a glacier change into ice?
As snow accumulates and gets compressed under its own weight, it transforms into dense ice. The process involves recrystallization of the snow granules, expelling air pockets, and increasing the density of the ice. Over time, the snow compacts into solid ice due to pressure, gravity, and temperature changes.
What does a cubic yard of average moisture snow weigh?
The density of snow is variable. Wet snow or firn has a density which is almost 10 times that of freshly fallen flakes. Depending on its densit, a cubic yard of snow could weigh between 6700 poundals and 53800 poundals.
The change from grainy firn to steel-blue ice is caused by?
The change from grainy firn to steel-blue ice is caused by the compaction of firn layers under the weight of overlying snow, which forces out air and results in denser ice formation. This process eliminates air bubbles, allowing light to penetrate deeper into the ice and giving it a blue color due to ice crystal refraction.
