The definition of glacier is highly variable. Two main issues exist: 1) Whether or not a mass of ice must currently show movement to be considered a glacier or not and 2) What is the relationship between ice sheets and glaciers (i.e., which is the parent in a parent/child relationship or whether they are distinct terms).

The definition of glacier is highly variable. Two main issues exist: 1) Whether or not a mass of ice must currently show movement to be considered a glacier or not and 2) What is the relationship between ice sheets and glaciers (i.e., which is the parent in a parent/child relationship or whether they are distinct terms).

envoPolar

FTT:648

TGN:21141

FTT:756

Geonames:H.GLCR

EcoLexicon:glacier

An ice mass which is of sufficient mass that the action of gravity upon it overcomes the frictional forces holding it in place, causing it to deform and flow towards lower elevation.

glacial feature

rock glacier

RockGlacier

glacier