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PRERNA FOR IAS
GLACIER
1. Valley Glacier
A valley glacier is a long, narrow mass of ice that forms in high mountain regions and flows downhill through valleys under the force of gravity. It develops when snowfall accumulates over many years, compressing into dense ice. Valley glaciers move slowly, eroding rocks and shaping the landscape by carving U-shaped valleys, cirques, and other glacial landforms. They have an accumulation zone where snow gathers and an ablation zone where ice melts. Valley glaciers are important sources of freshwater and feed many rivers. The Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas is a famous example of a valley glacier.
2. Continental Glacier
A continental glacier, also called an ice sheet, is a massive body of ice that covers vast land areas and flows outward in all directions from a central accumulation zone. Unlike valley glaciers, continental glaciers are not confined by mountain valleys. They are found mainly in polar regions, such as Antarctica and Greenland. These glaciers store enormous quantities of the Earth's freshwater and greatly influence global climate and sea levels. Continental glaciers shape landscapes through erosion and deposition over long periods. The Antarctic Ice Sheet is
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Learn about glaciers, their types, zones, and dynamics. Explore valley glaciers, continental ice sheets, accumulation and ablation zones, and their role in freshwater storage.
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