Author Question: What conditions are needed for glaciers to form and be maintained? As a result of these conditions, ... (Read 116 times)

jparksx · **on:** Jul 15, 2018

What conditions are needed for glaciers to form and be maintained? As a result of these conditions,
where are glaciers found? What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Under what conditions do large crevasses develop in glaciers? What forces act to produce them, and
where in the glacier are they found? What happens if a glacier descends over a steep precipice? What will be an ideal response?

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

Answer to Question 1

Glaciers form where there is a lot of snowfall and temperatures are cold. Since temperatures are colder
at higher altitudes and latitudes, these regions have glaciers if they receive enough snow. The
mountains of California receive a lot of snow, but only very high mountains are cold enough to
maintain glaciers. Glaciers cover the continents in the far north and south, e.g., Greenland and
Antarctica.

Answer to Question 2

Crevasses develop where glaciers flow over an increase in the slope of the underlying surface or where
they flow around a corner. The ice is stretched due to tensional forces. The crevasses open and extend
down to the zone of plastic flow. If a glacier descends over a steep precipice, the crevasses break up
the ice into a jumble of blocks and spires, and an icefall develops