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Glaciers move downhill due to gravity and the internal deformation of ice. The ice acts like a brittle solid until the thickness exceeds about 50 meters. Pressure on ice deeper than 50 meters causes plastic flow, which causes them to start to move.

They also move through basal sliding in which it slides over terrain, lubricated by the presence of liquid water created from ice that melts under high pressure from frictional heating.

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What force will make glaciers move downhill once the layet of snow and ice is more than about 30 to 40 meters deep?

Once the layer of snow and ice reaches a depth of about 30 to 40 meters, the force of gravity becomes the primary driver for glacier movement. The immense weight of the overlying ice creates pressure at the base of the glacier, leading to melting and lubrication of the ice-sediment interface. This facilitates the glacier's flow downhill, allowing it to move in response to gravitational pull. Additionally, internal deformation of the ice contributes to the overall movement.


What is irregular and thin till layer laid down by a retreating glacier?

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What part of a glacier moves fastest when glacier moves by internal plastic flow?

The center or axis of a glacier generally moves the fastest when the glacier is moving by internal plastic flow. This is due to the greater pressure and thickness of ice at the center, causing it to flow more readily than the slower moving edges and margins of the glacier.


When the base of a glacier melts and refreezes?

When the base of a glacier melts and refreezes, it creates a layer of water that can facilitate movement, allowing the glacier to slide over the bedrock more easily. This process can lead to the formation of features like subglacial lakes and can affect the glacier's overall dynamics and stability. Additionally, the melting and refreezing can alter the glacier's internal structure, potentially influencing its flow patterns and contributing to its eventual retreat.


What causes a boundary layer to develop in fluids?

A boundary layer develops in fluids due to the friction between the fluid and a solid surface. This friction slows down the fluid velocity near the surface, leading to the formation of a boundary layer where the flow transitions from the no-slip condition at the surface to a freer-flowing condition away from it.

Related Questions

Is it true that due to the force of friction a glacier will start to move downhill once the layer of snow and ice is more than about 30 to 40 meters deep?

Yes, the force of friction between the glacier and the ground is one of the factors that allows glaciers to move downhill under their own weight. This movement occurs once the thickness of the glacier reaches a critical depth where the force of gravity overcomes the frictional resistance. Once this threshold is reached, the glacier will start to flow downslope.


What makes a glacier slippery?

Glaciers are slippery due to a layer of surface ice that melts slightly under pressure from the weight of the ice above. This thin layer of water reduces friction between the glacier and the underlying rock or soil, making it easier for the glacier to flow or slide.


What force will make glaciers move downhill once the layet of snow and ice is more than about 30 to 40 meters deep?

Once the layer of snow and ice reaches a depth of about 30 to 40 meters, the force of gravity becomes the primary driver for glacier movement. The immense weight of the overlying ice creates pressure at the base of the glacier, leading to melting and lubrication of the ice-sediment interface. This facilitates the glacier's flow downhill, allowing it to move in response to gravitational pull. Additionally, internal deformation of the ice contributes to the overall movement.


Can a liquid experience friction?

As liquid flows on an inclined surface there will be frictional force between the bottom most layer and the surface of inclined plane. More over there will be a friction between the successive layer of the liquid. This is termed as viscous force.


What is the pressure causing ice layers to slid over each other called?

Basal slip occurs when the glacier rests on a slope. Pressure causes a small amount of ice at the bottom of the glacier to melt, creating a thin layer of water. This reduces friction enough that the glacier can slide down the slope. Loose soil underneath a glacier can also cause basal slip.


How does lubricant reduce the force of friction between hinges in a door?

Lubricant creates a layer between surfaces, reducing direct contact and friction. This allows the hinges to move smoothly without resistance, decreasing the force needed to open or close the door.


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 is the difference between friction and shear in the context of material interactions?

Friction is the resistance between two surfaces sliding against each other, while shear is the force that causes one layer of a material to slide over another layer. In essence, friction occurs between two surfaces, while shear happens within a material itself.


Which force is weakened when the floor is wet?

When the floor is wet, the force of friction between the floor and objects interacting with it is weakened. Friction is the force that opposes the relative motion or tendency of such motion between two surfaces in contact. The presence of water on the floor reduces the frictional force by creating a lubricating layer between the surfaces, making it easier for objects to slide or slip. This can increase the likelihood of accidents, as the reduced friction makes it harder for objects or individuals to maintain their grip or stability on the wet surface.


Can you give a conclusion about friction?

Friction is a force that opposes the relative motion or tendency of such motion of two surfaces in contact. It plays a crucial role in everyday life, affecting our ability to walk, drive, and interact with our environment. Understanding and managing friction is essential for improving efficiency and safety in various applications.


Why wet coin not slide when it is put on ramp?

A wet coin does not slide easily on a ramp because the water creates a layer between the coin and the surface, reducing friction. This layer of water prevents the coin from making direct contact with the ramp, which in turn reduces the friction force that allows the coin to slide.


How to reduce frictional force?

To reduce frictional force, you can use lubricants such as oil or grease to create a slippery layer between surfaces. You can also use smoother materials or surfaces, or apply a force perpendicular to the surfaces to reduce the contact force. Lastly, minimizing surface roughness and keeping surfaces clean can also help reduce friction.