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As glaciers change direction the tensional forces within the ice cause it to cra

ID: 236159 • Letter: A

Question

As glaciers change direction the tensional forces within the ice cause it to crack to produce crevasses. However, these crevasses are confined to the upper zone (~160 feet) of the glacial ice. Why?

a Below 160' the tensional forces become shearing forces. This results in latteral slipping but not the formation of crevasses.

b Due to the pressure exerted on the ice below 160 feet, any reduction in pressure due to tension cause the ice to melt. This meltwater fills in crevasses.

c The tensional forces that create the crevasses are not transmitted to greater depths. Below 160 feet the forces become compressional.

d As glacial ice becomes thicker and thicker, the lower portion (below 160 feet) begins to behave like a plastic rather than brittle material. Crevasses are formed only in the brittle area of the glacier.

a Below 160' the tensional forces become shearing forces. This results in latteral slipping but not the formation of crevasses.

b Due to the pressure exerted on the ice below 160 feet, any reduction in pressure due to tension cause the ice to melt. This meltwater fills in crevasses.

c The tensional forces that create the crevasses are not transmitted to greater depths. Below 160 feet the forces become compressional.

d As glacial ice becomes thicker and thicker, the lower portion (below 160 feet) begins to behave like a plastic rather than brittle material. Crevasses are formed only in the brittle area of the glacier.

Explanation / Answer

Answer is D

As glacial ice becomes thicker and thicker, the lower portion (below 160 feet) begins to behave like a plastic rather than brittle material. Crevasses are formed only in the brittle area of the glacier.This is because as glaciers change direction the tensional forces within the ice cause it to crack to produce crevasses. However, these crevasses are confined to the upper zone (~160 feet) of the glacial ice.