Author Question: What is the lesser way that glaciers flow, and what facilitates this movement? In which type of ... (Read 52 times)

javeds · **on:** Jul 15, 2018

What is the lesser way that glaciers flow, and what facilitates this movement? In which type of glaciers
is this flow more important? What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Describe the main way that glaciers move. In which situations is this essentially the only type of flow a
glacier will undergo? What will be an ideal response?

ultraflyy23 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 15, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Glaciers also slide over underlying surfaces by basal slip. Basil slip is facilitated by the presence of
meltwater, which reduces friction between the glacier and the surface over which it moves. Basal slip
is more important in valley glaciers because they can slide down a slope

Answer to Question 2

Glaciers move mostly by plastic flow. When accumulating ice and snow reach a critical thickness of
about 40 m, the stress on the ice at depth is great enough to cause plastic flow, a type of permanent
deformation, involving no fracturing. If a glacier is solidly frozen to the ground, as in many polar
environments, it will move only by plastic flow.