Author Question: Describe differences in flow rates within a valley glacier. What will be an ideal ... (Read 42 times)

rlane42 · **on:** Jul 15, 2018

Describe differences in flow rates within a valley glacier. What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Describe the conditions that would make a valley glacier flow faster. What will be an ideal response?

Madisongo23 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 15, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Flow velocity is greater in the zone of accumulation than in the zone of wastage, so velocity is greater
higher up the glacier. Since the valley walls and floor cause frictional resistance, the ice in contact with
the walls and floor moves more slowly than ice experiencing less friction. The uppermost part of the
glacier does not move any slower or faster than the ice below it.

Answer to Question 2

Valley glaciers move faster on steeper slopes. The greater the volume of ice, the faster the glacier will
flow. So the main glacier has a greater flow velocity than its tributaries. Basal slip causes a valley
glacier to flow faster during warmer months when meltwater is abundant.