Glacier Movement

Question 1

Internal Deformation

Answer 1

1. Inter-granular movement (Ice crystals slide over eachother)
2. Intra-granular movement (Ice crystals fracture + move downhill due to gravity)

-Slow process in polar glaciers

Question 2

Basal Slip

Answer 2

1. Encounter obstacle, causing pressure
2. Increased friction causes melting at base, giving lubrication
3. Glacier slides over bedrock
4. Regelation Creep refers to a glacier melting/ freezing depending on pressure

-Fast process in temperate glaciers

Question 3

Regelation Creep

Question 4

Factors affecting movement

Answer 4

Altitude

Size

Basal temp (Temperate or Polar)

Mass balance variation

Lithology (Rock type, some able to erode faster)