Author Question: Describe the process by which snow becomes glacial ice. What will be an ideal ... (Read 45 times)

misspop

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 540
Describe the process by which snow becomes glacial ice.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Describe the processes of denudation.
 
  What will be an ideal response?



tjayeee

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 329
Answer to Question 1

Glaciers form by the continual accumulation of snow that recrystallizes under its own weight into an ice mass. This process is similar to the layering in sedimentary rock. To become a glacier, though, the snow and ice are transformed under pressure, recrystallizing into a type of metamorphic rock (Glacial ice can be considered both a mineral and a rock.) In general, as the snow accumulates during the winter, the increasing thickness results in increased weight and pressure exerted on the underlying layers. During the summer, melt and rainwater inputs contribute water to the pack, which stimulates further melting. As the water seeps down, though, it refreezes. Air space between ice crystals are compressed as the snow packs to greater density. The snow that survives the summer and is still present in the winter begins the slow transformation to glacial ice. Snow to firn to glacial ice. This process takes many years. In Antarctica, where it is dry and snowfall is minimal, it can take 1,000 years.

Answer to Question 2

Answers will vary, but in general, denudation refers to the collective processes of weathering, mass movement, erosion, transportation, and deposition. This chapter focuses primarily on weathering and mass movement.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
 

Did you know?

Sperm cells are so tiny that 400 to 500 million (400,000,000–500,000,000) of them fit onto 1 tsp.

Did you know?

Amoebae are the simplest type of protozoans, and are characterized by a feeding and dividing trophozoite stage that moves by temporary extensions called pseudopodia or false feet.

Did you know?

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) in overdose can seriously damage the liver. It should never be taken by people who use alcohol heavily; it can result in severe liver damage and even a condition requiring a liver transplant.

Did you know?

Cancer has been around as long as humankind, but only in the second half of the twentieth century did the number of cancer cases explode.

Did you know?

Adults are resistant to the bacterium that causes Botulism. These bacteria thrive in honey – therefore, honey should never be given to infants since their immune systems are not yet resistant.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library