Ice cap and glacier
Description (English)
Glaciers are permanent or near-permanent ice masses created by the compaction of the snow accumulated in cold climates. These deposits, when they are under pressure, behave like a viscous liquid. So, a glacier is a mobile element, because of its ability to slowly flow along a slope under the effect of gravity. Different types of glacier exist. Characteristic for the arctic regions, ice sheets and ice caps are dome-like ice masses unconstrained by topography. In the large mountain ranges, but also in the arctic regions, most glaciers are constrained by topography including cirque glaciers, valley glaciers, mountain glaciers and piedmont glaciers. The smallest form of glaciers is derived from snow-drifting, avalanches, or ice deposition in cold-bottom karst dolines, called glacierets. These small ice masses may have an existence limited to a few years.
Source: EUNIS habitat classification
Quick facts
EUNIS habitat type | code U42 |
---|---|
Relation to | Resolution 4 habitat type (used for designation of Emerald sites) |
Legal status
Relation to other habitat types mentioned in legal instruments
Vegetation types
Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)
Not availableSpecies mentioned in habitat description
Other classifications
Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type |
---|---|---|---|
EUNIS Habitat Classification 2007 (revised descriptions 2012) | H4.2 | Ice caps and true glaciers | same |
European Red List of Habitats | H4.2 | Ice cap and glacier | same |
History
Classification | Code | Habitat type name | Relationship type | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200410 | H4.2 | Ice caps and true glaciers | same | |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200308 | H4.2 | True glaciers | same | |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 200202 | H4.2 | True glaciers | same | |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199910 | H4.21 | True glaciers | same | |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199811 | H4.31 | True glaciers | same | |
EUNIS Habitat Classification 199712 | H4.31 | True glaciers | same | |
Palaearctic Habitat Classification 199905 | 63.3 | True glaciers | same | |
Palaearctic Habitat Classification 1997 | 63.3 | True glaciers | same | |
Palaearctic Habitat Classification 1996 | 63.3 | same | ||
Palaearctic Habitat Classification 1993 | 63.3 | same | ||
CORINE Biotopes Classification 1991 | 63.3 | same |