Chapter 22: Problem 8

The letters following each Review Question refer to the corresponding Learning Objective from the Chapter Opener. How can a glacier continue to flow toward its toe even though its toe is retreating? (B)

Short Answer

Expert verified

A glacier can continue to flow toward its toe even though the toe is retreating because ice continuously moves from the accumulation zone toward the toe due to gravity and pressure from the glacier's weight. The toe retreats when the rates of ablation and calving at the glacier's toe exceed the rate of ice flow from the accumulation zone. Therefore, the glacier's flow is maintained while the toe retreats, being fed by the continuous movement of ice originating from the accumulation zone.

Step by step solution

Understand Glaciers and Their Components

A glacier is a large mass of ice that forms on land due to the accumulation and compaction of snow over a long period of time. Glaciers consist of several parts, such as the accumulation zone, the ablation zone, and the toe, also known as the snout. The toe is the lower-most part of the glacier where ice usually melts or breaks off due to reduced pressure or warmer external temperatures.

Discuss Glacier Flow

A glacier flows due to gravity and the pressure from its own weight. In the accumulation zone, snow accumulates, and over time, the weight of the snow turns it into dense ice which begins to move downhill. This movement characterizes the flow of a glacier. The flow takes place even as the glacier simultaneously melts in the ablation zone.

Explain Glacier Toe Retreat

Glacier toe retreat happens when the rates of ablation (melting) and calving (breaking away of ice) at the glacier's toe exceed the rate of ice flow from the accumulation zone. In other words, ice disappears faster than it can be replenished, causing the toe to appear to move backward or retreat.

Describe How Glacier Flows While Toe Retreats

Even though a glacier's toe may be retreating, the glacier can still flow toward its toe. To understand this, imagine the glacier as a conveyor belt or river of ice. Ice continuously moves from the accumulation zone, through the glacier length, and toward the toe due to gravity and pressure from the glacier's weight. Simultaneously, the toe retreats because of ablation and calving. Consequently, the glacier continues to flow while the toe retreats, being fed by the continual flow of ice originating from the accumulation zone.

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The letters following each Review Question refer to the corresponding Learning Objective from the Chapter Opener. How can a glacier continue to flow toward its toe even though its toe is retreating? (B)

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand Glaciers and Their Components

Discuss Glacier Flow

Explain Glacier Toe Retreat

Describe How Glacier Flows While Toe Retreats

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