Flow Mechanics

Glaciers flow under their own weight through internal deformation and basal sliding. Ice crystals deform under pressure, while meltwater at the base lubricates movement. Flow rates vary from meters to kilometers per year, depending on slope, temperature, and ice thickness.

Formation Process

Snow accumulates above the snowline, compressing into glacial ice. Pressure and recrystallization transform snow into dense glacier ice. The weight of accumulated ice causes movement downslope, creating characteristic features like crevasses and moraines through erosion and deposition.

Climate Response

Glaciers serve as climate indicators, advancing or retreating based on temperature and precipitation changes. Mass balance between accumulation and ablation determines glacier health. Modern climate change accelerates glacier retreat worldwide, affecting water resources and sea level rise. Shutdown123