The period of melting is an incredibly important stage in the life cycle of a glacier. It is the time when snow and ice thaws, recedes, and flows freely. As this period of melting begins, many changes occur within the glacier, its surroundings and its environment.
During the melting period, glacial ice is broken down into smaller and smaller pieces, eventually creating pools of meltwater at the fronts of the glacier. These pools eventually merge and expand, creating a great expanse of liquid water on the glaciers surface. This large body of water is known as a river, lake, or stream. The largest bodies of liquid produced by glacier flows are referred to as glacial lakes.
As the ice retreats, several geological changes occur. The glaciers topography is altered as the deeper v-shaped valleys, created by the steady grinding of advancing ice, are now filled with water. This creates a flat expanse, or plain, on which the glacier begins to move further and further back. The plains created by melting glaciers are known as the glacio-fluvial plains.
The period of melting is an important ecological event, as it marks the beginning of new life for the biome. Many small and large organisms come to life in the newly created ponds and streams of the glaciers terminus. Species vary from region to region, but microorganisms and invertebrates such as microbes, algae, and zooplankton are some of the most common. Fish, amphibians and reptiles are also found in many of these environments, especially those that are more stable with time.
The melting period of a glacier is also the time when climate change begins to be more visible. The increase of global temperatures means that the glaciers melting rate is sped up, and thus the amount of meltwater produced is increased. these increased flows of water can also lead to an increase in erosion of the surrounding soil and rocks, as well as an alteration of habitats throughout the glaciers environment.
The melting period of a glacier is also an important time for people living in areas where glaciers are present. For instance, some communities rely on the water provided by glaciers for municipal drinking water supplies. Thus, the melting and subsidence of a glacier can threaten the water supply of people who rely on it for sustenance.
As a result, it is essential for us to monitor the period of melting and take measures to protect glaciers and the ecosystems that rely on them. If we do not take steps to reduce the impacts of climate change, we risk witnessing the rapid retreat of our glaciers and the endangerment of many species of animals and plants that are so dependent upon them.
