Question 1

What is a glacier?

Accepted Answer

A glacier is a big chunk of ice that moves very slowly over land. It's made from lots of snow that gets squashed into ice over many years.

Question 2

How do glaciers form?

Accepted Answer

Glaciers form when snow piles up year after year and pushes down on itself. This pressure turns the snow into thick ice.

Question 3

Where do glaciers usually form?

Accepted Answer

Glaciers usually form in very cold places where there's lots of snow. This can be high up in the mountains or near the poles, like in Antarctica or Greenland.

Question 4

Why do glaciers move?

Accepted Answer

Glaciers move because of the sheer weight and pressure from the snow and ice above. Gravity pulls the ice down slopes.

Question 5

How fast do glaciers move?

Accepted Answer

Glaciers move very slowly, often just a few inches or feet each day. Some can move faster during times when a lot of melting occurs on the surface.

Question 6

What is the end of a glacier called?

Accepted Answer

The end of a glacier is called the 'terminus' or the 'glacier tongue'. This is where the ice melts or breaks off into the sea.

Question 7

Why do glaciers melt?

Accepted Answer

Glaciers melt when the temperature gets warmer. The sun's heat causes the ice to turn into water, which can flow off as rivers or streams.

Question 8

What happens to the water from melted glaciers?

Accepted Answer

When glaciers melt, the water goes into rivers and lakes. Sometimes it goes into the ocean, raising the sea level.

Question 9

Are glaciers important for the Earth?

Accepted Answer

Yes, glaciers are very important because they store a large part of the Earth's freshwater. They also help keep the planet cool by reflecting the sun's rays.

Question 10

Can animals live on glaciers?

Accepted Answer

Some animals, like polar bears and seals, live near glaciers, especially in the Arctic. Small creatures like insects can live on the ice, and some birds visit to look for food.

Question 11

How do glaciers shape the land?

Accepted Answer

As glaciers move, they scrape and carve the land underneath them. This can create valleys and leave behind rocks when the glacier melts.

Question 12

What is the difference between an iceberg and a glacier?

Accepted Answer

A glacier is a huge mass of ice on land, while an iceberg is a piece of glacier ice that has broken off and is floating in the ocean.

Question 13

Why are glaciers important for people?

Accepted Answer

Glaciers provide fresh water for many people to drink. They also help in farming and producing electricity in some regions.

Question 14

Can we stop glaciers from melting?

Accepted Answer

We can't stop glaciers from melting completely, but we can slow it down by taking care of the Earth. Reducing pollution and using less energy helps keep the planet cooler.

Question 15

How do scientists study glaciers?

Accepted Answer

Scientists study glaciers by using special tools and satellites to measure their size and movement. They also take ice samples to learn about past climates.

Question 16

What is a glacier surge?

Accepted Answer

A glacier surge is when a glacier moves much faster than usual for a short time. This can happen because of changes in water flow underneath it or other natural factors.

Question 17

What are small pieces of rock left by glaciers called?

Accepted Answer

Small pieces of rock left behind by glaciers are called till. This mixture of rock, sand, and dirt can cover the land where a glacier used to be.

Question 18

Do all glaciers eventually melt?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all glaciers change over time and eventually melt. They might reform again if the climate gets cold enough.

Question 19

How old can a glacier be?

Accepted Answer

Some glaciers are very old. They can be thousands of years old because they formed from snow that fell long, long ago.

Question 20

What is happening to glaciers today?

Accepted Answer

Many glaciers around the world are melting faster today due to a warmer climate. This can affect sea levels and the environment around the glaciers.

The Journey of a Glacier: Formation to Melting - 20 FAQs Explained Simply