Glaciers

The term used to describe the movement of a glacier around small obstacles at its base is called "plucking." This process involves the glacier lifting and carrying rocks and debris as it flows over and around obstacles.

Yes, glaciers contain the largest percentage of fresh water on Earth, with around 69% of the freshwater stored in glaciers. This frozen water is vital for maintaining freshwater availability in rivers and lakes.

The last glaciers retreated from Michigan approximately 10,000 years ago at the end of the last glacial period.

India wasn't always near the equator. Infancy India was its own continent before crashing into Asia, creating the Hymilayas, home of the tallest mountains. But before India collided with Asia, it was very close to the south pole, which is cold. And the presence of glaciers is still there today. The actual glaciers melted away, but the path they left behind is still there, and that is what scientists are looking at.

The term "crevasses" best describes open fissures in the brittle surface ice of a glacier. These deep cracks are commonly found on glaciers and can pose dangers to hikers and climbers.

When a glacier stands still, the ice continues to deform under its own weight due to gravity. This slow movement, called glacial flow, can cause the ice to thicken and flow downstream. Over time, the ice can also melt from the surface and sublimate into the air.

Continental glaciers cover Antarctica and most of Greenland because these are the coldest places on Earth, with temperatures that allow snow to accumulate and not melt. Over time, the accumulation of snow compacts into ice, forming massive ice sheets that spread across the land.

Ice in a glacier is considered a mineral because it has a crystalline structure formed by a naturally occurring inorganic substance (water) under specific conditions. In contrast, water in a river does not have a fixed crystalline structure or specific conditions for its formation, so it does not meet the criteria to be classified as a mineral.

Malasprina and Athabasca were two glaciers that swept over North America. They carved the Great Lakes.

1. Why did the glacier break up with the mountains?

• It just couldn't handle the cold shoulder anymore!

2. What did the snowman say to the glacier?

• "Oh, ice to meet you!"

3. Why did the glacier go to therapy?

• It had trouble letting things go!

When materials are bulldozed at the front of a glacier, they form a ridge-like feature called a moraine. Moraines are composed of a mixture of rock, sediment, and debris that were pushed and carried by the glacier as it moved forward.

Yes, glaciers are major landforms. They are large masses of ice that can shape and sculpt the surrounding landscape through processes like erosion and deposition. Glaciers play a significant role in shaping the Earth's surface over long periods of time.

Glaciers are crucial sources of water for people and crops. A melting glacier can at first increase stream flow, but eventually the flow will decrease. When flows in these rivers begin to decline, the region's farmers could face a crisis.

The Taku Glacier in Alaska is constructive because it helps to form new rivers and promotes the state's tourism industry. It can be destructive because if too big a piece calves it can destroy habitat and buildings.

The Beardmore Glacier is important because it provides access to the interior of Antarctica, allowing for scientific research and exploration of the continent. It is also notable for its historical significance as part of the route used by Roald Amundsen during his successful journey to the South Pole in 1911. Additionally, the glacier serves as a key route for traversing the Transantarctic Mountains.

Glaciers are difficult to access and are typically located in remote areas, which makes them impractical as a source of fresh water for human use. Additionally, the process of harvesting glacier ice could have environmental impacts on the delicate ecosystem of the glacier and surrounding areas. Finally, there are more efficient and sustainable methods for obtaining fresh water, such as desalination and water treatment plants.

Yes, many lakes in the interior plains were created by glaciers during the last Ice Age. As the glaciers retreated, they left behind depressions that later filled with water to form lakes. These glacially-formed lakes can be seen across regions like the Great Lakes in North America.

Yes, glaciers are famous in Norway. Norway is home to many glaciers, including the largest glacier in mainland Europe, the Jostedalsbreen Glacier. Glaciers are important natural attractions in Norway, drawing tourists from around the world to witness their beauty.

Glaciers can grow larger in size due to an increase in snow accumulation, which exceeds the rate of melting and sublimation. Cooler temperatures can also contribute to glacier growth by reducing melting and promoting the preservation of snow and ice. Additionally, changes in climate patterns, such as increased precipitation or changes in wind patterns that bring moisture, can also cause a glacier to expand.

The discovery of glaciers can be traced back to ancient times, as people observed and recorded the presence of large masses of ice in mountains and cold regions. However, the systematic study of glaciers began in the 18th century, with early explorers and scientists like Louis Agassiz contributing to our understanding of how glaciers form and move. Advances in technology and remote sensing have since allowed researchers to study glaciers in greater detail and understand their role in shaping the Earth's landscape.

Glaciers and icecaps store large amounts of fresh water in the form of ice. This ice comes from snowfall that accumulates and compresses over time. When glaciers melt, they release water into rivers and oceans, which can impact sea levels and ecosystems.

The material deposited on the edge of a glacier is called moraine. This debris consists of rocks, soil, and other materials that the glacier has picked up as it moves, forming ridges or mounds at the glacier's terminus.

Yes, tourists can see the San Rafael Glacier from boats on the lagoon where it terminates. Boat tours are a popular way to view this glacier in southern Chile.

Glaciers fall under the category of physical geography, specifically geomorphology. They are large bodies of ice that form over long periods of time and have a significant impact on landscapes and ecosystems.