Glacial systems including glacial budgets; ablation and accumulation; historical patterns of ice advance and retreat
A glacier gains mass through snowfall (accumulation) and loses mass through melting (ablation). The balance between these two processes determines whether the glacier grows, shrinks, or stays the same size.
Real World
The Rhône Glacier in Switzerland has retreated over 3 km since 1900 because rising temperatures have pushed the equilibrium line altitude higher, meaning ablation now consistently outpaces accumulation.
Exam Focus
Always link glacial advance or retreat explicitly to the balance between accumulation and ablation — examiners expect this causal chain.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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