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Definition:
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The set of points on the surface of the glacier where the climatic mass balance is zero at a given moment. The equilibrium line separates the accumulation zone from the ablation zone. It coincides with the snowline only if all mass exchange occurs at the surface of the glacier and there is no superimposed ice. Unless qualified by a different adjective, references to the equilibrium line refer to the Annual equilibrium line. See also equilibrium-line altitude, firn line, snowline, transient equilibrium line, zone.
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