Glacier Movement

Glacier Movement

1. Glaciers move in three ways

   • Basal Sliding
     • When the base of a glacier and the surface of the bedrock are smooth then the glacier will move relatively easy meaning it may move faster. Abrasion and stritation are common due to this process.
   • substrate deformation
     • If a glacier is to rest on unconsolidated sediments they may deform due to the weight of the glacier.
   • Internal deformation of ice (Creep)
     • The ice deforms due to it's own weight and creates force at the base of the glacial. Thicker and steeper ice moves faster.

2. Friction between the ice and the surface of the bedrock causes the glacier to 'stick' to the sides and the base of a valley etc. and therefore moves faster in the middle and upper sections.