The zone where positive gains end and losses begin in the glacial mass balance is called
A) an equilibrium line.
B) medial moraine.
C) firn line.
D) the ice field line.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The equilibrium line is the boundary between the zone of accumulation (where snow and ice accumulation exceeds melting) and the zone of ablation (where melting exceeds accumulation) in the glacial mass balance. It marks the point where positive gains end and losses begin. Medial moraine refers to the line of debris carried in the middle of a glacier. Firn line refers to the line on a glacier where snowfall begins to accumulate and turn to ice. The ice field line is not a recognized term in glaciology.

The Zone Where Positive Gains End and Losses Begin in the Glacial