Glaciology and Glacial Geomorphology

  1. Glacier Formation and Classification
    1. The Transformation of Snow to Glacial Ice
      1. Snowfall and Accumulation
        1. Snow Crystal Formation
          1. Snowpack Structure
            1. Snow Density
            2. Firnification
              1. Definition of Firn
                1. Processes of Densification
                  1. Firn Density Changes
                  2. Compaction and Recrystallization
                    1. Pressure Sintering
                      1. Grain Growth
                        1. Metamorphism Processes
                          1. Time Scales of Transformation
                          2. Bubble Close-off
                            1. Air Bubble Evolution
                              1. Density Thresholds
                            2. Classification of Glaciers
                              1. By Thermal Regime
                                1. Temperate Glaciers
                                  1. Characteristics
                                    1. Distribution
                                      1. Thermal Profile
                                      2. Polar Glaciers
                                        1. Characteristics
                                          1. Distribution
                                            1. Thermal Profile
                                            2. Polythermal Glaciers
                                              1. Mixed Thermal Regimes
                                                1. Spatial Variations
                                              2. By Morphology and Topographic Setting
                                                1. Ice Sheets
                                                  1. Size Criteria
                                                    1. Continental Ice Sheets
                                                    2. Ice Caps
                                                      1. Size and Characteristics
                                                        1. Highland Ice Caps
                                                        2. Ice Fields
                                                          1. Valley Glaciers
                                                            1. Alpine Glaciers
                                                              1. Formation and Characteristics
                                                                1. Outlet Glaciers
                                                                2. Cirque Glaciers
                                                                  1. Location and Morphology
                                                                    1. Size Limitations
                                                                    2. Piedmont Glaciers
                                                                      1. Formation at Valley Exits
                                                                        1. Spreading Patterns
                                                                        2. Tidewater Glaciers
                                                                          1. Interaction with Ocean
                                                                            1. Calving Dynamics
                                                                            2. Ice Tongues
                                                                              1. Floating Extensions
                                                                            3. By Activity Level
                                                                              1. Active Glaciers
                                                                                1. Inactive Glaciers
                                                                                  1. Dead Ice

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                                                                              2. Physical Properties of Ice

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                                                                              4. Glacier Mass Balance