How do Glaciers Move?
Glacial migration, ie. the movement of glaciers, is a phenomenon usually caused by gravity. The “long profile” is similar to that of a river, except that the path formed by the glacier is more rounded than that of a river. Glaciers move as the bottom layer of ice melts and the subsequent water allows the glacier to move more smoothly, lubricating the action. As the glacier moves, it will normally remove portions of the ground it moves past or over, as they become attached to the constantly freezing and thawing outer layers. This process is constant, although it is commonly more active in the day, when more of the ice melts, allowing faster and better lubricated motion.
