how does a glacier turn into a lake? does it just melt?
by the way, i'm studying ecological succession
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glacial_lake
Check these sites.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glacial_lake
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecological_succession
http://www.scientificblogging.com/tropical_ecology_notes/rethinking_the_way_we_study_ecological_succession
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Yes, a glacier can turn into a lake when it melts. When a glacier melts, the ice transitions into liquid water. The water then fills the depression left behind by the receding ice, forming a lake. This process is known as glacial retreat.
To understand how a glacier turns into a lake, let's explore the concept in depth:
1. Glacial Formation: Glaciers are large masses of ice and snow that form over time from compacted layers of snow. They are typically found in high-altitude or polar regions where the temperature remains cold enough for snow to accumulate.
2. Glacial Movement: Due to their immense weight and gravity, glaciers slowly move downhill. This movement is driven by several factors, including the force of gravity and the accumulation of snow and ice at the upper parts of the glacier.
3. Melting: As a glacier moves into areas with higher temperatures or when overall temperatures increase due to climate change, the ice starts to melt. This melting process happens primarily at the glacier's lower ends, where the ice interacts with the surrounding environment.
4. Formation of Meltwater: As the glacier melts, it releases water in the form of meltwater. This water, derived from the ice, moves downward along the glacier, carving and eroding the underlying land. The meltwater collects in depressions and basins on the landscape, creating small ponds or lakes known as meltwater lakes.
5. Lake Formation: When the glacial retreat accelerates, the ice thins and recedes, leaving behind a larger depression. This depression can eventually fill with meltwater, forming a glacial lake. Glacial lakes range in size, from small ones that form within ice-cored moraines to massive lakes that occupy entire valleys.
6. Terminal Lakes: Terminal lakes are a specific type of glacial lake formed at a glacier's terminus or end. As a glacier retreats, it may leave behind a depression known as a cirque. When meltwater fills this hollow, it forms a terminal lake. These lakes can be quite deep and may have distinctive turquoise coloration due to suspended rock flour from glacial erosion.
In summary, a glacier turns into a lake as it melts and the meltwater accumulates in depressions left by the receding ice. This process is part of the natural life cycle of a glacier and can be influenced by factors such as climate change and temperature variations.