CATEGORY 1: GLACIERS BASICS
What is a glacier?
A huge mass of ice that moves very slowly over land.
In which hemisphere is Antarctica located?
The Southern Hemisphere.
What are the three jobs of a glacier?
Erosion, transportation and deposition.
What is the difference between weather and climate?
Weather is daily conditions; climate is the average over time.
Name one way glaciers benefit humans.
Fresh water / tourism / farming / jobs.
Name the two main types of glaciers.
Alpine glaciers and ice sheets (continental glaciers).
Name one mountain range where alpine glaciers are found.
The Himalayas / Andes / Alps (any one).
What is erosion?
The process in which rock is broken down and removed.
What type of climate does Antarctica have?
Polar climate.
Which river relies heavily on glacial meltwater in Asia?
The River Indus.
What conditions are needed for a glacier to form?
Cold temperatures and more snow falling than melting over many years.
Which latitude line surrounds Antarctica?
The Antarctic Circle.
What is plucking?
When a glacier freezes onto rock and pulls it away as it moves.
Why is Antarctica considered a desert?
Because it receives very little precipitation.
Give one economic benefit of glaciers.
Tourism creates jobs and income.
Which two places contain most of the world’s ice sheets?
Antarctica and Greenland.
Why are glaciers often found near the poles?
Because temperatures are low enough for ice to form and remain.
What glacial landform is a bowl-shaped hollow on a mountain?
A corrie.
During which months is Antarctica warmest?
December and January.
What is one adaptation penguins have to survive in Antarctica?
Thick blubber / feathers / huddling / webbed feet.
Why do glaciers move even though they are made of ice?
Because their weight causes the ice to flow slowly downhill.
Describe the global distribution of glaciers using geography language.
Most glaciers are found near the poles and in high mountain regions due to cold temperatures.
Why are glacial valleys U-shaped instead of V-shaped?
Because glaciers erode the sides and base of the valley evenly.
Describe Antarctica’s climate using temperature and rainfall.
Antarctica is extremely cold all year with very low precipitation.
Why is studying glaciers important for the future?
Because they are indicators of climate change and sea level rise.