What factors influence a change in the position of glacial snouts (ice fronts)?

Question

could you also possibly briefly summarise how the different factors relate/compare to each other?

thanks

points will be given

Answer 1

Glaciers flow under the influence of gravity by the combined action of sliding over the rock on which they lie and by deformation, the gradual displacement between and within individual ice crystals. Maximum speeds occur near the surface and along the center line of the glacier.

Answer 2

I would imagine factors like the amount of snow fall and the temperature would have an affect on the position of the snout.

Increased snowfall will mean more glacier ice is formed. This will cause displacement of the glacier further down the valley as it migrates (under influence of gravity) and mean the ice front is beyond its normal position.

Global warming will obviously cause the glacier to melt at a faster rate and mean the glacier retreats up valley. Therefor the ice front will be closer to the source of the ice or corrie.

If the amount of snowfall and melting are in balance then the ice front will be static as the ice will be moving down valley as quickly as the ice is melting at the snout.

Hope this helps you.