Question 1: Define 'accumulation' in the context of glacial systems.

Answer: The process of snow and ice gathering in a glacier, exceeding ablation, leading to glacier growth.

Question 2: What is 'ablation' in glaciology?

Answer: The melting, sublimation, or calving of ice from a glacier, reducing its mass.

Question 3: Explain the term 'glacial movement'.

Answer: The flow of ice within a glacier due to internal deformation and basal sliding.

Question 4: Define 'arête' and provide an example.

Answer: A sharp ridge formed between two glacial valleys, e.g., the Finsteraarhorn in the Swiss Alps.

Question 5: What is a 'cirque' in glacial geography?

Answer: A bowl-shaped depression at the head of a glacial valley, formed by frost erosion.

Question 1: Which process primarily contributes to glacier retreat in temperate regions?

Answer: Ablation exceeds accumulation

Question 2: Name the large ice mass located in Greenland.

Answer: Greenland Ice Sheet

Question 3: Identify two landforms created by glacial erosion.

Answer: U-shaped valleys and arêtes

Question 4: What is the main difference between a valley glacier and an ice sheet?

Answer: Valley glaciers are confined within valleys; ice sheets cover large areas and are not confined.

Question 1: Based on the case study, describe two impacts of glacial retreat in the Alps.

Answer: Reduced water supply for downstream communities and increased risk of landslides due to unstable valley slopes.

Question 2: Explain how the melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet contributes to global sea level rise.

Answer: Melting adds freshwater to the oceans, increasing sea levels; Greenland's ice loss is a significant contributor to current global sea level rise.

Question 1: Analyse the primary causes of increased ablation rates in polar and temperate glaciers.

Answer: Rising global temperatures due to climate change lead to higher melt rates; increased solar radiation absorption by darker surfaces; atmospheric changes such as cloud cover reduction; and feedback mechanisms accelerating melt.

Question 2: Explain why the formation of cirques is important in understanding glacial erosion.

Answer: Cirques mark the starting points of glacier formation; their shape indicates past glacial activity and helps reconstruct climate history.

Question 1: To what extent are current strategies for managing glacial retreat effective in mitigating environmental impacts? Consider both technological and policy approaches. (8-12 marks)

Answer: Effective strategies include climate change mitigation policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which address the root cause of glacial melting. Technological approaches such as glacier monitoring and geoengineering are still in experimental stages and have limited immediate impact. Policy measures like protected areas and sustainable water management can reduce local vulnerabilities but do not halt glacier retreat. Overall, while strategies can mitigate some impacts, they cannot fully prevent glacial loss without global climate action, making their effectiveness partial and dependent on international cooperation.

Question 2: Evaluate the potential for glacial tourism in regions like the Alps and Greenland as a sustainable economic activity. (8-12 marks)

Answer: Glacial tourism can generate significant economic benefits and promote environmental awareness; regions like the Alps and Greenland attract tourists interested in scenic landscapes and adventure activities. However, increased foot traffic can accelerate environmental degradation, disturb fragile ecosystems, and contribute to local climate warming. Sustainable tourism practices, such as limiting visitor numbers, implementing eco-friendly infrastructure, and educating visitors, can mitigate negative impacts. Nevertheless, the long-term viability of glacial tourism is threatened by ongoing glacial retreat, and reliance on this sector must be balanced with conservation efforts. Hence, while promising, its sustainability depends heavily on responsible management and global climate mitigation.