When glaciers lose chunks of rock and carry them along?
As a glacier flows downslope, it drags the rock, sediment, and debris in its basal ice over the bedrock beneath it, grinding it. This process is known as abrasion and produces scratches (striations) in bedrock surface.
What are two main types of glaciers?
There are two main types of glaciers: continental glaciers and alpine glaciers. Latitude, topography, and global and regional climate patterns are important controls on the distribution and size of these glaciers.
What is the thickest glacier?
Taku Glacier
Why do corries prefer north facing slopes?
Question 2c: This can be explained by the fact that in the northern hemisphere, north facing slopes tend to be cooler than south facing slopes. As corries require the build-up of snow in order to form, this is more likely to happen on north facing slopes, which might explain the increased frequency.
What are the two processes of glacial erosion?
Erosion processes. The primary processes of glacial erosion are plucking, abrasion, and physical and chemical erosion by subglacial water.
Where does glacial erosion occur?
Glaciers are sheets of solidly packed ice and snow that cover large areas of land. They are formed in areas where the general temperature is usually below freezing. This can be near the North and South poles, and also on very high ground, such as large mountains.
What are the causes of glaciers melting?
Human activities are at the root of this phenomenon. Specifically, since the industrial revolution, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions have raised temperatures, even higher in the poles, and as a result, glaciers are rapidly melting, calving off into the sea and retreating on land.
What is glacier retreat?
A glacier retreats when its terminus does not extend as far downvalley as it previously did. Glaciers may retreat when their ice melts or ablates more quickly than snowfall can accumulate and form new glacial ice.
How are glaciers important?
Glaciers are important indicators of global warming and climate change in several ways. Melting ice sheets contribute to rising sea levels. As ice sheets in Antarctica and Greenland melt, they raise the level of the ocean. Large additions of fresh water also change the ocean ecosystem.