Question

What processes happen in the zone of ablation?

a) Snow accumulates.
b) The rate of snow accumulation is balanced by the rate of snow sublimation.
c) Ice gradually is lost, due to a combination of melting, sublimation, and calving
d) Glacial ice follows a flow trajectory that takes it down to greater depths.

Answer 1

In the zone of ablation, multiple processes occur including snow accumulation, balanced by snow sublimation, gradual loss of ice, and glacial ice movement.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the zone of ablation, several processes occur:

1. Snow accumulates: This is the process of snowfall and deposition on the glacial surface.
2. The rate of snow accumulation is balanced by the rate of snow sublimation: Snow can directly change from a solid state to water vapor through sublimation, offsetting the amount of snow accumulation.
3. Ice gradually is lost, due to a combination of melting, sublimation, and calving: The ice in the zone of ablation can melt, sublimate, or break off due to calving, leading to a gradual loss of ice.
4. Glacial ice follows a flow trajectory that takes it down to greater depths: The glacial ice moves downslope and into greater depths due to the force of gravity and the weight of the ice itself.