Glacial Research and Exploration

Surging is the term used to describe the process by which glaciers move rapidly, often advancing several kilometers in a short period of time.

The Antarctic Ice Sheet is the largest ice sheet in the world, covering an area of over 14 million square kilometers.

Recession is the term used to describe the process by which glaciers retreat, or move back.

Lambert Glacier is the largest glacier in the world, with a length of over 400 kilometers and a width of over 100 kilometers.

Accumulation is the term used to describe the process by which glaciers form, as snow accumulates and compresses over time.

Valley glaciers are the most common type of glacier, and are found in mountainous areas.

Calving is the term used to describe the process by which glaciers break off into smaller pieces, which are then known as icebergs.

Vatnajokull Ice Cap is the largest ice cap in the world, covering an area of over 8,000 square kilometers.

Crevassing is the term used to describe the process by which glaciers form crevasses, which are deep cracks in the ice.

Continental ice sheets are the most common type of ice sheet, and are found on land.

Ablation is the term used to describe the process by which glaciers melt.

Ross Ice Shelf is the largest piedmont glacier in the world, covering an area of over 487,000 square kilometers.

Advance is the term used to describe the process by which glaciers move forward.

Piedmont glaciers are the most common type of piedmont glacier, and are found at the foot of mountains.

Moulin Formation is the term used to describe the process by which glaciers form moulins, which are vertical shafts that carry water down to the base of the glacier.