How are continental glaciers different from valley glaciers
The difference between them is where they flow. Valley glaciers flow in mountain valleys from high to low elevations. Continental glaciers or ice sheets flow over vast unconfined land areas
Continental glaciers and valley glaciers differ in terms of their size, location, shape, and movement.
1. Size: Continental glaciers, also known as ice sheets, are vast ice masses that cover large areas of land, typically spanning more than 50,000 square kilometers. Valley glaciers, on the other hand, are smaller and occupy valleys or mountainous regions.
2. Location: Continental glaciers are found in polar regions, like Antarctica and Greenland, where low temperatures prevail. Valley glaciers are mainly present in high-altitude areas, such as mountain ranges, where colder conditions and abundant precipitation exist.
3. Shape: Continental glaciers typically have a dome-like shape due to their immense size, spreading outward from their central accumulation zone. Valley glaciers, however, have a more linear and elongated shape, following the topography of the valleys they occupy.
4. Movement: Continental glaciers flow outward in all directions from their centers due to their vast size and weight. The movement of these glaciers is typically slow, on the order of centimeters or meters per year. Valley glaciers, while still moving, tend to flow down through valleys due to gravity, resulting in a more pronounced and visible downhill movement.
To determine these differences, one can consult reliable sources such as textbooks, scientific articles, or educational websites that specialize in glaciology or geology. These sources often provide detailed information, diagrams, and images that help illustrate the dissimilarities between continental and valley glaciers.