What does it mean when the terminus of a glacier has been stationary for several years?
A)The local glacial budget is in equilibrium.
B)The glacier is still frozen but has quit moving.
C)The glacier is storing up energy preparing to surge forward.
D)Global warming has ceased.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the terminus of a glacier has been stationary for several years, it means that the rate of ice movement is balanced by the rate of ice loss. This indicates that the local glacial budget is in equilibrium, meaning that the amount of snow and ice accumulation in the upper glacier areas is balanced by the amount of melting at the lower areas. This is a natural state of a glacier and does not necessarily indicate any particular climate change.

What Does It Mean When the Terminus of a Glacier