Glacier Dynamics
Glacier dynamics refers to the movement and behavior of glaciers, which are large masses of ice formed from compacted snow. This movement occurs due to gravity, causing glaciers to flow slowly down valleys or across land. Factors such as temperature, precipitation, and the underlying terrain influence how quickly and in what manner a glacier moves.
The dynamics of glaciers can lead to various phenomena, including calving, where chunks of ice break off into the ocean, and crevasses, which are deep cracks that form on the glacier's surface. Understanding glacier dynamics is crucial for studying climate change, as melting glaciers contribute to rising sea levels and affect ecosystems and water resources.