Question

For each of the statements below, identify the type of glacier that is being described. a. A glacier that is often described as continental. b. A glacier that forms when one or more valley glaciers spreads out at the base of a steep mountain. c. Greenland is the only example of this type of glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. d. A glacier that may also be called an alpine glacier. e. This glacier is a stream of ice leading from the margin of an ice sheet through the mountains to the sea.

Short answer

a: Continental glacier, b: Piedmont glacier, c: Ice sheet, d: Valley glacier, e: Outlet glacier.

Step-by-step solution

Identifying Continental Glacier

A continental glacier is a type of glacier that covers a large area of land, often found in polar regions. It is also known as an ice sheet. The description "a glacier that is often described as continental" refers to this type of glacier.

Identifying Piedmont Glacier

A piedmont glacier forms when one or more valley glaciers converge and spread out at the base of a steep mountain. This type of glacier fits the description "a glacier that forms when one or more valley glaciers spreads out at the base of a steep mountain."

Identifying Example of Ice Sheet

Greenland hosts a large ice sheet, the only one of its kind in the Northern Hemisphere. Therefore, "Greenland is the only example of this type of glacier in the Northern Hemisphere" refers to this type of glacier, which is a continental glacier, specifically an ice sheet.

Identifying Valley Glacier

An alpine glacier, which is also referred to as a valley glacier, forms in high mountainous regions. Thus, "a glacier that may also be called an alpine glacier" matches this definition.

Identifying Outlet Glacier

An outlet glacier is a stream of ice that extends from an ice cap or ice sheet through mountains, often reaching the sea. The statement "this glacier is a stream of ice leading from the margin of an ice sheet through the mountains to the sea" describes an outlet glacier.

Key concepts

Continental Glacier

Continental glaciers are massive bodies of ice that cover large portions of a continent's surface. These glaciers are significant not only because of their size but also because they store most of the world's freshwater. Found primarily in polar regions, such as Antarctica and Greenland, these glaciers are so large that they cover everything in their path, including hills and valleys, creating a more uniform landscape.
Here are some key points about continental glaciers:

• They are sometimes referred to as ice sheets.
• They have a profound effect on sea level, as they hold vast quantities of water.
• The weight and movement of a continental glacier can shape the land beneath it.

Understanding continental glaciers helps us comprehend their role in global climate regulation and sea-level changes.

Piedmont Glacier

Piedmont glaciers are fascinating formations that occur when the ice from valley glaciers flows out of the mountains and spreads across the surrounding landscape. This spreading occurs at the mountain's base, where it can form large lobes of ice that are reminiscent of pancake batter pouring out onto a griddle, spreading out to fill the area.
Key characteristics of piedmont glaciers include:

• They form at the base of steep mountains due to the convergence of multiple valley glaciers.
• They typically have a fan-like or lobate shape.
• Their location at lower altitudes allows them to spread widely.

Piedmont glaciers highlight the dynamic nature of glaciers and their capacity to adapt to the terrain they encounter.

Alpine Glacier

Alpine glaciers, also known as valley glaciers, are distinctive and beautiful ice formations that are found in mountainous areas worldwide. These glaciers originate high in mountain ranges, often in cirques, which are bowl-shaped depressions where snow accumulates.
Here are some defining traits of alpine glaciers:

• They flow down valleys, carving out U-shaped valleys in the process.
• These glaciers are highly sensitive to changes in temperature and precipitation.
• They contribute to the water supply of rivers and streams as they melt.

Exploring alpine glaciers provides insights into the past climate of Earth, as their patterns of movement and melting shed light on historical temperature and precipitation levels.

Ice Sheet

Ice sheets are extensive masses of glacial land ice that cover continents or vast areas. The most famous ice sheets are found in Antarctica and Greenland, covering millions of square kilometers and containing the majority of Earth's freshwater.
Important features of ice sheets include:

• They are at least 50,000 square kilometers in area.
• Ice sheets can be up to several kilometers thick.
• The immense weight of an ice sheet can depress the Earth's crust beneath it.

Ice sheets have a substantial impact on global climate patterns and are critical indicators of climate change as their size and volume fluctuate with atmospheric conditions.

Outlet Glacier

Outlet glaciers are key structures that serve as rivers of ice, channeling ice from larger ice caps and ice sheets through mountainous regions. These glaciers play a crucial role in directing ice flow toward lower altitudes, often reaching the sea.
Characteristics of outlet glaciers include:

• They act as pathways for ice to move from the center of an ice sheet to its edges.
• Outlet glaciers can contribute to sea-level rise if the ice they transport melts into the ocean.
• They may vary greatly in size and speed, depending on various environmental factors.

Studying outlet glaciers helps to understand the dynamics of ice movement and its effects on the global sea level, highlighting their importance in today's changing world.