Question 1: Describe the process by which a glacier forms from accumulated snowfall over many years.

Answer: Snow accumulates in a cold climate, compacts under its own weight, and transforms into firn, which gradually becomes glacial ice as more snow falls and compresses the layers below.

Question 2: Explain how a glacier moves through the landscape. Include two different types of movement in your answer.

Answer: A glacier moves mainly through internal plastic deformation, where ice crystals slide past each other, and through basal sliding, where meltwater reduces friction between the glacier's base and the bedrock.

Question 3: Identify and describe two landforms created by glacial erosion.

Answer: U-shaped valleys formed by the erosion of the landscape as glaciers carve through mountain sides, and aretes, which are sharp ridges that form between two glacial valleys.

Question 4: Describe the process of plucking and how it contributes to glacial erosion.

Answer: Plucking occurs when a glacier freezes onto rocks and pulls them away as the ice moves, helping to erode and deepen the landscape.

Question 5: Explain what is meant by the term 'alpine glacier' and how its location differs from an ice sheet.

Answer: An alpine glacier is a small, mountain-based glacier that forms in high-altitude regions, whereas an ice sheet is a large, continental-scale glacier covering vast areas like Greenland or Antarctica.

Question 6: Sketch a cross-section of a glacier showing the ice, the ice front, and the bedrock beneath.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a sloping block of ice (the glacier) moving over bedrock, with a distinct ice front at the terminus. The ice should be thicker inland and thinner at the front, with the bedrock visible beneath the ice.

Question 7: List and briefly explain two ways glaciers contribute to landform development.

Answer: Glaciers erode the landscape through processes like abrasion and plucking, shaping features such as U-shaped valleys and fjords. They also deposit sediments, forming landforms like moraines and drumlins.

Question 8: Describe the difference between a corrie and a arete in glacial landforms.

Answer: A corrie is a bowl-shaped basin with steep sides formed by glacial erosion, while an arete is a sharp ridge that forms between two corries or glacial valleys.

Question 9: Imagine a valley that has been shaped by glaciers. Describe what features might be present if you were to visit this valley.

Answer: The valley would likely have a U-shaped cross-section, with steep sides, a flat floor, and possibly hanging valleys, moraines, and a fjord if it is near sea level.

Question 10: Draw a simple diagram of a glacier showing its movement direction, accumulation zone, and ablation zone. Label each part.

Answer: A correct diagram would depict an elongated glacier with arrows indicating flow direction. The top part (accumulation zone) shows snow and ice accumulation; the lower part (ablation zone) shows melting and ice loss; the middle is the zone of equilibrium.