What happens on either side of the equilibrium line in a glacier?
A) sublimation occurs only above the line and melting occurs only below the line
B) melting occurs only above the line and sublimation occurs only below the line
C) above the equilibrium line, the amount of accumulation exceeds the amount lost by various processes
D) air temperatures are below freezing below the line and above freezing above the line

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Above the equilibrium line on a glacier, accumulation (from snowfall and other forms of precipitation) exceeds the amount lost through ablation (melting, sublimation, etc.). Below this line, the loss of ice through these processes exceeds the amount of accumulation.

What Happens on Either Side of the Equilibrium Line in a Glacier