Problem 5 Trace the evolution of glacial i... [FREE SOLUTION]

Chapter 17: Problem 5

Trace the evolution of glacial ice from fresh fallen snow.

Short Answer

Expert verified

The evolution of glacial ice from snow involves a four-step transformation process: fresh snowfall is subjected to more snow, reducing its air content and forming a denser granular snow, or firn. Over time, the firn is further compressed, expelling residual air and facilitating the growth of ice crystals. Eventually, the fully dense ice becomes part of a flowing glacier.

Step by step solution

Fresh Snow Fall

The transformation process begins with falling snowflakes. These snowflakes contain a lot of air and are very light. Over time, they begin to compact under the weight of new snowfall.

Formation of Firn

As more and more snow falls, the underlying layers are subjected to increasing pressure which leads to a reduction in the air content causing the formation of granular snow or firn. This granular snow, or firn, is more dense than fresh snow.

Transition to Glacial Ice

Over the years, the firn is further compacted and the air spaces between the grains are gradually reduced and this process eventually leads to the formation of glacial ice. The compacted firn changes into solid ice as time progresses, air is forced out and the ice crystals grow. It can take up to a hundred or more years for firn to turn into true glacial ice.

Formation of Glacial Ice

The ice reaches its full density and can no longer be compressed. It becomes part of a flowing glacier, marking the end of the snowflake's transformation into glacial ice.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Fresh Fallen Snow

When snow first falls to the ground, it is referred to as fresh fallen snow. These snowflakes are intricate, beautiful formations that are made of tiny ice crystals. Each snowflake is unique, just like a fingerprint. Here are some characteristics of fresh fallen snow:

It is very light and fluffy because it contains a lot of air.
Snowflakes have complex patterns and are typically six-sided.
Fresh snow can insulate the ground and keeps it warm.

Since fresh fallen snow is made up of many tiny ice crystals, it can quickly compact under its own weight, leading to further transformation.

Firn

As more snow accumulates on top of fresh fallen snow, the pressure increases. This compaction turns fresh snow into a substance known as firn. Firn is a transitional stage between snow and glacial ice.

Key attributes of firn include:

It has a granular texture and is more compact than fresh snow.
The air content is reduced, resulting in higher density.
Firn often resembles coarse sugar in appearance.

This stage can last many years, as snow continues to compress under additional layers. Firn plays an important role in the gradual transformation into glacial ice.

Glacial Ice

The next step in the formation of glacial ice comes when firn is compacted over a prolonged period. This transformation is a slow process due to the sheer amount of pressure needed to drive out nearly all of the air between the grains.

Important aspects of glacial ice include:

It is very dense and has minimal air pockets.
The individual ice crystals have grown large and interlocked tightly.
This ice has a bluish tint because it absorbs other colors and reflects blue.

It can take from decades to centuries for firn to become glacial ice, depending on environmental conditions like temperature and snowfall. Glacial ice forms the thick, flowing glaciers that carve landscapes.

Snowflake Transformation

Throughout its journey from snowflake to glacial ice, the snow undergoes a remarkable transformation. This process highlights nature's ability to change and adapt over time.

Here's a simplified overview of the transformation steps:

Fresh snowflakes fall with high air content and low density.
As more snow compresses down, it turns into firn.
Over years, with sustained pressure, firn becomes glacial ice.

This transformation not only speaks to the dynamic processes occurring within a glacier but also demonstrates how seemingly simple elements can evolve into something far grander.

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Trace the evolution of glacial ice from fresh fallen snow.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Fresh Snow Fall

Formation of Firn

Transition to Glacial Ice

Formation of Glacial Ice

Key Concepts

Fresh Fallen Snow

Firn

Glacial Ice

Snowflake Transformation

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