ICE STREAM Meaning and
Definition
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An ice stream refers to a fast-moving section of a glacier that flows under the influence of gravity, exhibiting velocities significantly greater than the surrounding ice mass. Typically found within ice sheets or ice caps, ice streams are characterized by their rapid flow rates, which can reach several kilometers per year. They are surrounded by slower-moving ice, and their boundaries are often discernible due to their distinct features, such as crevasses or ice cliffs.
Ice streams form due to a combination of factors, including the slope of the underlying terrain, the thickness of the ice, and the presence of subglacial meltwater. The high flow velocities are sustained by the lubricating effect of the water, reducing friction between the ice and the underlying bedrock. This lubrication allows ice streams to move quickly, transporting vast quantities of ice from the center of the ice sheet towards its margins, sometimes discharging icebergs into the ocean.
Ice streams play a crucial role in the mass balance of ice sheets, as they contribute to the overall movement and loss of ice. Their dynamic nature makes them vulnerable to changes in environmental conditions and climate, with shifts in temperature or water availability affecting their behavior. Therefore, understanding the mechanics and behavior of ice streams is essential for accurately predicting future changes in ice sheet dynamics and their impact on global sea levels.
Common Misspellings for ICE STREAM
- uce stream
- jce stream
- kce stream
- oce stream
- 9ce stream
- 8ce stream
- ixe stream
- ive stream
- ife stream
- ide stream
- icw stream
- ics stream
- icd stream
- icr stream
- ic4 stream
- ic3 stream
- ice atream
- ice ztream
- ice xtream
- ice dtream
Etymology of ICE STREAM
The term "ice stream" is a compound word consisting of "ice" and "stream".
"Ice" originates from the Old English word "īs", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word *īs. This term has cognates in several other Germanic languages, such as German "Eis" and Dutch "ijs".
"Stream" comes from the Old English word "strēam", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word *straumaz. It has equivalent terms in various Germanic languages, such as German "Strom" and Dutch "stroom".
When these two words are combined, "ice stream" refers to a flowing mass of ice, typically found in glaciers or ice sheets. The etymology of the individual words provides insight into the meaning and origins of the term "ice stream".
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