1.a. Glaciated landscapes can be viewed as systems

A conceptual overview of: • the components of glaciated landscape systems, including inputs, processes and outputs • the flows of energy and material through glaciated systems • glacier mass balance

What type of systems are glaciated landscapes

Open systems

How is energy and matter shared in a glacier

By inputs and outputs

Where do inputs to glacial systems go

Accumulation zone

Where do outputs into glacial systems go

Ablation zone

Name 4 inputs of glacial systems

• Kinetic energy from wind and moving glaciers

• Thermal energy from sun

• Potential energy from position of material on slopes

• Material/debris/load from deposition, weathering, mass movement, precipitation

Name 3 outputs of glaciated systems

meltwater, debris, icebergs

What happens when inputs = outputs

State of equilibrium exists

What happens when state of equilibrium exists

Glacial mass remains constant

What feedback loop exists in glaciers

Negative feedback loop. System undergoes self-regulation and changes its form until equilibrium is restored

What is glacial mass balance

Difference between the amount of snow and ice accumulation and the amount of ablation occurring in a glacier over a 1 year period

What is glacial budget

Accumulation - ablation

How does glacial budget vary

It varies by season

Summer - ablation exceeds accumulation

Winter - accumulation exceeds ablation

What is the accumulation zone

When accumulation exceeds ablation (higher levels)

What is the ablation zone

When ablation exceeds accumulation (lower levels