Notes: Glaciers
Glacier Facts

Found on every continent- even _____________________!

Cover _______________ of the earth’s land area

Contain 75% of the __________________ on earth

Two types:

__________________ (valley glaciers) are found in the mountains

Continental glaciers (_______________________) are found at the north and
south poles
How does a glacier form?

Form when more snow ___________ than ______________ in one year

Snow compacts into ________________

Ice begins to flow downhill under its own __________________
How do glaciers work?
In _________________, ice accumulates at the top of the glacier, pushing the glacier downhill
In __________________, ice ______________ at the bottom of the glacier
If the amount that melts in the summer is __________________ than the amount that
accumulates in the winter, the glacier _______________________
Why are retreating glaciers bad?
Glaciers _______________ water and release it later in the year
Snow accumulates in the winter
Melting snow feeds _______________ in the summer
Less snow in the winter means less _________________ in the summer for
_____________________ and farming
The size of glaciers relates to sea level
In Earth’s past, sea level was ____________________ because there were more
glaciers
As glaciers melt now, sea level will ________________
Could _____________________ coastal cities
Why do geologists care about glaciers?

Glaciers are a force of _______________ on earth

Glaciers have shaped the ____________________ that we see now!
Glacial Erosion

As a glacier moves down the side of the _____________________, it _________________
off pieces of the surrounding rock

Over time, a ____________________ of material can be removed by the ____________
Glacial Features: U-Shaped Valleys

When a ______________ erodes a valley, the valley becomes _______________

_______________ are wider than rivers, so they change the shape of the valley

Valley becomes _______________________
Glacial Features: Sharp Ridges (Aretes)

Two__________________ on two sides of a mountain

When glaciers melt, a ____________________ remains
Glacial Features: Pyramid Peak (Horn)

A peak where several ____________________ meet

At least 3 _____________________ (nearly vertical) sides

Form where several __________________ meet
Glacial Features: Moraines
A pile of_____________________ that is pushed along as a glacier moves
Can vary in ____________________