thank you for your time and help
2007-07-13 11:29:30 · 5 answers · asked by na 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
When people refer to glaciers as retreating, they mean the glaciers are growing smaller. That is, they cover less area than they did before, or have become thinner than they were before.
The actual direction of ice flow depends on how you look at it. If you're facing in the same direction as the ice is flowing, it's moving 'forward'. If you're facing the opposite direction as the ice is flowing, it's moving 'backward'.
That being said, it is certainly possible for ice to melt (driving the glacial boundary backwards) while the ice is moving forwards.
2007-07-13 11:38:15 · answer #1 · answered by lithiumdeuteride 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is true. When glaciers retreat the ice continues to move away from the source (by several methods, not just due to it's weight). Think of your butcher pushing a bologna through his meat cutting device. The bologna continues to move toward the blade, but the blade keeps the end of the bologna from advancing. If you equate the blade with the point at which the glacier melts faster than the ice is replaced, and think of the bologna (of course) as being the ice, you can easily grasp the concept.
2007-07-13 12:29:23 · answer #2 · answered by David A 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the glacier, they're all different. But yes, it's possible. Glaciers retreat because the lower end (there's a name for the lower name, I forget it) the lower end is melting faster than the glacier is advancing. It's the weight of the glacier, not continuous snow landing on it, that makes it advance.
2007-07-13 11:38:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes
2007-07-13 11:36:40 · answer #4 · answered by The Jade Merchant 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is true.....next question
2007-07-13 13:41:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋