a huge accumulation of ice and snow that moves slowly over land down slope under the force of gravity

the force by which a planet, or other large body, draws objects to its centre

Glacier formation

Geography

This unit teaches pupils about the physical processes that influence cold places around the world and how areas of ice have changed over time due to climatic variations. Pupils will learn about the impact of global warming on glaciated areas and what this means for the future of our planet.

Ice and glaciers: How are cold places affected by a warming planet?

What percentage of Earth's land area is currently covered by glaciers?

How long can it take for snow to turn into glacier ice?

It lubricates the base, helping the glacier to slide.

It creates cracks that break the glacier apart.

What role does meltwater play in glacier movement?

During which period were winters especially harsh and some rivers in Europe froze?

an increase in the burning of fossil fuels

volcanic eruptions releasing particles into the atmosphere

What is one reason why global cooling can occur?

What is a key effect of global warming on oceans?

They melted without changing the landscape.

How did the ice sheets affect the land in the UK?

The ice sheets melted, and sea levels rose.

What happened when the climate began to warm 19 000 years ago?

New species couldn’t grow because the land was too dry.

New plant and animal life moved in as the climate warmed.

What happened to animal and plant life after the Ice Age?

Starter Quiz