GLACIAL CLASSIFICATION & MASS BALANCE

A. Introduction

1. Definition

2. Formation of glacial ice

Photo Credit: NASA; Earth from Space STS066-208-25

B. Classification

1. Morphological

2. Thermal

• temperate or warm based glaciers

• polar or cold based glaciers

• subpolar glaciers

3. Dynamic

C. Mass Balance

1. Accumulation

2. Ablation

3. Equilibrium line

4. Discharge

5. Balance

• stationary glacier

• retreating glacier

• advancing glacier

• stagnating glacier

D. Summary