Glacier Hydrology

Glacier hydrology studies how water moves within and from glaciers, which are large masses of ice. It involves understanding how meltwater from the ice surface, rain, and snow infiltrates, flows through cracks and channels inside the glacier, and eventually reaches the bedrock below or exits at the terminus. This process influences glacier movement and stability, as water can lubricate the glacier's base, potentially accelerating ice flow. Understanding glacier hydrology helps predict how glaciers respond to climate change, impacting sea level rise and freshwater resources.