| Term: | Accumulation zone |
| Definition: |
The part of the glacier where accumulation exceeds ablation in magnitude, that is, where the cumulative mass balance relative to the start of the mass-balance year is positive. Unless qualified, for example by giving a date within the year, references to the accumulation zone refer to its extent at the end of the mass-balance year. The extent of the accumulation zone can vary strongly from year to year. The accumulation zone is not the same as the firn area. IHPGlacierMassBalance
(1) Region in a glacier where there is a surface net addition of snow. (2) Part of a hillslope that has a net gain of material leading to a progressive raising of the slope's surface. PhysicalGeography GCW |