What Is A Glacier's Mass Balance? is the second video of the Glaciology In a Minute series. Definitions of some key words used can be found below. This video was produced by Robert Jones and Bethany Hudd graduates from the University of St Andrews for the GeoBus project. If you are interested in the Geology In A Minute series, why not subscribe to our channel? You can also follow us on twitter (@GeoBus_StA) and facebook (GeoBus St Andrews)! All references are cited below.
Definitions
Accumulation - the build-up of snow through precipitation, avalanche and wind-blown snow.
Ablation - the melting and loss of snow/ice through melting, calving and evaporation.
Accumulation Zone - the area of the glacier which has a higher rate of accumulation than ablation.
Ablation Zone - the area of the glacier which has a higher rate of ablation than accumulation.
Equilibrium Line - the point on the glacier where Accumulation and Ablation are equal.
Positive Mass Balance - the Accumulation Zone is larger than the Ablation Zone and the glacier grows.
Negative Mass Balance - the Ablation Zone is larger than the Accumulation Zone and the glacier shrinks.
