Weertman Effect

The Weertman Effect describes how the presence of small, basal ice ridges on a glacier's underside can influence its movement. These tiny ridges reduce friction between the glacier and the bedrock, allowing the glacier to slide more easily. Essentially, instead of scraping heavily against the ground, the glacier's base can glide over these ridges, making it flow faster. This process plays a key role in how glaciers respond to environmental changes, affecting their speed and eventual melting or retreat.