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Physical Process

Ice Sheet Dynamics

Glacial and Periglacial Processes

The internal flow and movement of a continental-scale ice sheet under its own weight, governed by ice deformation, basal sliding where meltwater lubricates the bed, and the discharge of ice through fast-moving outlet glaciers and ice streams. Understanding ice sheet dynamics is central to projecting how the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets will respond to a warming climate.

Facts
Process Type
Glacial 1
Connections

Causes

Sources
1. Glacier Quick Facts - National Snow and Ice Data Center
Ice sheets section
Quote, Ice sheets section
An ice sheet is a mass of glacial land ice extending more than 50,000 square kilometers (19,300 square miles).
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