What physical property of H₂O allows glaciers to flow, particularly by basal slip? A)dipole forces B)pressure melting C)spontaneous recrystallization to the cubic structure D)high viscosity

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pressure melting occurs when the weight and pressure of the overlying ice lowers the melting point of the ice at the base, allowing it to partially melt and create a thin layer of water that reduces friction and allows the glacier to slide or flow over the underlying material. This is a key mechanism of basal slip, which is the movement of glaciers over the bedrock or sediment beneath them. H₂O is a chemical formula for water, which is the major component of glaciers and plays a crucial role in their dynamics. High viscosity (choice D) would actually hinder rather than facilitate glacier flow, as it would increase resistance to deformation and decrease the ability of the ice to flow like a fluid. Dipole forces (choice A) and spontaneous recrystallization to the cubic structure (choice C) are not relevant to the process of glacier flow or basal slip.

What Physical Property of H2O Allows Glaciers to Flow, Particularly

What Physical Property of H₂O Allows Glaciers to Flow, Particularly