EUNIS habitat classification 2017 > U - Inland habitats with no or little soil and mostly with sparse vegetation > U4 - Snow or ice-dominated habitats > U42 - Ice cap and glacier

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

Legal text	Annex	Name in legal text	Code in legal text	Habitat type relationship	More information
Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats	Revised Annex I of Resolution 4 (1996) of the Bern Convention on endangered natural habitats types using the EUNIS habitat classification (year of revision 2010)	Permanent glaciers	8340	Narrower	https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc....ckColorLogged=FDC864 Resolution No. 4 (1996) of the Bern Convention lists endangered natural habitats requiring specific conservation measures [and the designation of Areas of Special Conservation Interest (ASCIs) forming the Emerald network]
Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats	Revised Annex I of Resolution 4 (1996) of the Bern Convention on endangered natural habitats types using the EUNIS habitat classification (year of revision 2010)	Ice caps and true glaciers	H4.2	Same	https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc....ckColorLogged=FDC864 Resolution No. 4 (1996) of the Bern Convention lists endangered natural habitats requiring specific conservation measures [and the designation of Areas of Special Conservation Interest (ASCIs) forming the Emerald network]

Vegetation types

Relation to vegetation types (syntaxa)

Not available

Species mentioned in habitat description

Not available

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

For relation to plant communities (syntaxa), see Vegetation types

History

Classification	Code	Habitat type name	Relationship type
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

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