Which determines the mass balance of a glacier?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The mass balance of a glacier is determined by the balance between accumulation (the amount of snow that accumulates each year) and ablation (the amount of ice that melts or sublimates each year). The volume of snow that falls each winter (A) and the difference in volume of snow that falls each year (B) are both factors that contribute to accumulation and therefore affect the mass balance, but they are not the only factors. The volume of ablation (D) is also a factor affecting the mass balance, but ultimately it is the balance between accumulation and ablation that determines the overall mass balance of a glacier.

Which Determines the Mass Balance of a Glacier