R&D Fast Facts - Glaciers
Researchers
University of Maine Climate Change Institute, (207) 581-2190.
What is a glacier?
A glacier is any perennial mass of ice and snow that moves under its own power. This makes it different from snow banks (that don’t move) or sea ice, which moves due to wind or ocean currents.
What makes one glacier different from another?
Glaciers are classified based on their relationship to the topography (i.e., valley glacier, alpine glacier), their size, temperature, and whether or not water is present at the bed, among other things.
Why is it important to study glaciers?
Glaciers are important for a number of reasons. Today, in many parts of the world, populations are dependent upon glaciers for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and drinking water. In addition, glaciers can prove to be hazardous, because of outburst floods and ice avalanches.
Study of deposits left by past glaciers is important because it can afford us information about how, and perhaps why, climate changes on Earth. The deposits left behind also are valuable resources, providing things such as sand and gravel for construction. Finally, in many parts of the world, such as Maine, glaciers have thoroughly shaped the landscape, and any understanding of that landscape requires knowledge of glaciers.
Why should we care that the glaciers are melting?
Melting glaciers cause a large part of global sea-level rise, which has the potential to flood our coastal cities and island nations. In addition, loss of glaciers in areas dependent upon them for hydroelectric power and irrigation would result in economic hardship.
What is UMaine’s role in studying glaciers?
UMaine has a more than 50-year history of studying glaciers, both past and present.
Our work has contributed not only to glacier reconstructions, but also to important discoveries about climate change. Recently, UMaine scientists, in conjunction with people from state agencies and local planning boards, developed the Ice Age Trail, an ecotourism driving route in eastern Maine, where one can view deposits from the ice-age landscape.
Where have UMaine scientists studied glaciers?
We have a long and distinguished record of glacial research, particularly in the Antarctic, but also in Maine, Greenland, Alaska, South America, New Zealand, and central Asia, among other locations.
