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1b. Glaciated landscapes are influenced by a range of physical factors -…
1b. Glaciated landscapes are influenced by a range of physical factors
Climate
Precipitation
Provides main input of snow sleet and rain
High latitude = Low precipitation
High altitude = high precipitation may be in the form of snow Jasper 600mm
Seasonal patterns Jasper : January = 25mm whereas June s 100mm . January - Snow
Temperature
Above 0 accumulated ice and snow will melt and become an output of the system.
High altitude = Significant periods in summer above 0
High latitude may never rise above 0 so no melting - why ice sheets on polar regions are thick
Wind carries out erosion, transportation and deposition and acts upon fine material
Greater the seasonal variation in precipitation the more varied the mass balance of a glacier will be
Geology
Lithology
Physical and chemical composition of rocks
Clay = Weak lithology due to weak H-bonds between molecules so has little resistance to erosion, weathering and mass movement
Basalt = Strong lithology due to dense interlocking crystals so more likely to form prominent glacial landforms Eg Aretes
Structure
Jointing, bedding and faulting
Porosity of rock which influences their strength
Angle of dip of rocks which influences valley side profiles
Latitude and Altitude
High altitude above 66.5 degrees N. Cold dry climates with little seasonal variations in precipitation
Lower latitude and higher altitude have increased precipitation inputs, but more variable temperatures so more summer melting
Relief and aspect
Steeper the relied the greater the resultant force of gravity and the ore energy to move downslope
Aspect away from the sun --> Temperatures are below zero from longer so less solar radiation --> decreased melting
Affects mass balance
Factors may vary in significant of their impacts spatially and temporally