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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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How can terminal and lateral moraines form glacial lakes?

A lateral moraine is formed at the side of a glacier. Falling ice can melt and form a lake. Similarly, a terminal moraine marks the farthest advance of a glacier where all the ice typically melts.


Where is glacial lakes?

Glacial lakes are typically found in regions that have been shaped by glaciers, such as mountainous areas or polar regions. These lakes are formed by the melting of glaciers and can be seen in countries like Iceland, Canada, Alaska, and parts of Europe.


Is glacial lake caused by erosion or deposition?

A glacial lake is a lake with origins in a melted glacier. Near the end of the last glacial period, roughly 10,000 years ago, glaciers began to retreat. A retreating glacier often left behind large deposits of ice in hollows between drumlins or hills. As the ice age ended, these melted to create lakes. These lakes are often surrounded by drumlins, along with other evidence of the glacier such as moraines, eskers and erosional features such as striations and chatter marks.


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.


How glacial spillways are formed?

Glacial spillways are formed when meltwater from a retreating glacier creates a pathway through moraines or other glacial deposits. As the glacier retreats, the trapped water is released, carving out a channel that can carry large volumes of water downstream. These spillways are important for draining glacial lakes and preventing catastrophic flooding.

Related Questions

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 is the name given to lakes formed through glacial erosion?

The name given to lakes formed through glacial erosion is "glacial lakes." These lakes are created when glaciers carve out depressions in the land, which then fill with melted ice and water. They often have unique characteristics, such as a circular shape and steep sides.


What continent has thousands of glacial lakes?

Asia da!


How can terminal and lateral moraines form glacial lakes?

A lateral moraine is formed at the side of a glacier. Falling ice can melt and form a lake. Similarly, a terminal moraine marks the farthest advance of a glacier where all the ice typically melts.


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.


Where do many glacial lakes form?

On mountains and in cold climates


Where is glacial lakes?

Glacial lakes are typically found in regions that have been shaped by glaciers, such as mountainous areas or polar regions. These lakes are formed by the melting of glaciers and can be seen in countries like Iceland, Canada, Alaska, and parts of Europe.


Is glacial lake caused by erosion or deposition?

A glacial lake is a lake with origins in a melted glacier. Near the end of the last glacial period, roughly 10,000 years ago, glaciers began to retreat. A retreating glacier often left behind large deposits of ice in hollows between drumlins or hills. As the ice age ended, these melted to create lakes. These lakes are often surrounded by drumlins, along with other evidence of the glacier such as moraines, eskers and erosional features such as striations and chatter marks.