What Is a Stationary Glacier?

Glaciers exist on every continent except Australia. Greenland and Antarctica are the largest ones, normally referred to as ice sheets. Together, these two ice sheets contain about 90 percent of the earth's fresh water supply. As long as the snow and ice are sufficient all year long, glaciers will form and grow--even at the equator. It takes many layers of snow that are hard-packed on top of previous layers to solidify into ice, thus forming a glacier.

Location

• There are places around the globe that accumulate from 20 to 100 feet of snow in a single winter. The new snow presses down on the layer remaining from the prior winter. Newer glaciers form in locations where the current snowfall is greater than the melting of prior snowfalls. Glaciers accumulate new layers at the higher elevations.

  At lower levels, the glacier loses mass through the melting process. The loss occurs in the ablation area of the glacier. The glacier's face expands when snow and ice accumulate, and then it retreats when the melting exceeds accumulation. The glacier is never standing still. Because of the melt that follows expansion, the glacier is always in motion.

Stationary Glaciers

• A stationary glacier is one whose accumulated snowfall is equal to the melting of previous snowfalls. Therefore, the edges of the glacier neither grow nor recede. They maintain the status quo. However, since all glaciers are in motion and stationary glaciers are no different, the only thing setting them apart is stability in size and density.

  Although they are called stationary glaciers, they are not standing still. The name refers to the equality between melting and accumulation. Glaciers in motion will follow the path of least resistance. The pull of gravity influences the direction glaciers follow. Therefore, glaciers will move downhill.

Cause and Effect

• There are consequences (effects) from any stationary glacier trying to survive in a warming climate (causes). The stationary glacier is usually responsible for agricultural irrigation as well as drinking water.

  It is possible that a fast-melting glacier that travels along riverbeds or valley floors could be catastrophic to a populated area below. There can be destructive flooding. This type of flooding is normally the forerunner to long periods of drought.

Glacial Footprints

• The movement of glaciers changes the look of the landscape as they advance and retreat. They carve out the rocks, creating new formations. Steep cliffs emerge where an ice field was. Rising waters and flooded seacoasts are the footprints of a moving and melting glacier.

  Glaciers create a cultural impact as well. They force the abandonment of human communities and cause major agricultural changes. This usually occurs over thousands of years, although glacial activity has increased over the recent century.

Visits to Glaciers

• A few national parks feature glaciers and ice fields. Many hikers flock to these locations, toting their hiking and climbing gear. However, the best way to see the glaciers and ice fields is to visit a park that includes flightseeing operators who offer tours of glacial fields and formations.