Some Overall Class Notes:

Homework discussion.

Some other stuff of general interest.

The class will follow the life history of a glaicer from its cold origin to the final wet end.

Define a Glacier

Glacier Parts Top

Glacier Parts Middle

Glacier Parts Bottom

What Determines the Distribution of Glaicers?

This week we ask - Are Glaciers a good proxy for climate change?

The reason glaciers are where they are is not good weather.

Accumulation Processes

 

• Precipation
• What are the controls on where snow can last over one year?

  Transformation from Snow to Ice (not discussed in class but an important processes issue)

• Look at the ELA plotted up and down the mountain chain on the west side of North and South America and think about the growth of ice sheets. Fig.

Ablation Processes

Claving - final.mov

Burroughs Glacier 1973 and 1986

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