What term is used for the process of glacier movement?

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Prepare for the UCF GEO1200 Physical Geography Exam. Enhance your study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Ace your test with confidence!

The term used for the process of glacier movement is "flow." Glaciers are massive ice bodies that move under the influence of gravity. This flow occurs as the ice within the glacier deforms and slides over the underlying bedrock or sediment. The internal deformation is a result of the pressure from the weight of the glacier, which causes the ice to behave plastically over time. This movement can lead to various landforms and geological features as glaciers carve through the landscape.

The other terms listed refer to different processes related to glaciers rather than the movement itself. Ablation refers to the loss of ice mass from a glacier, often due to melting, sublimation, or calving. Accumulation describes the process where snow and ice build up within a glacier, adding to its mass. Melting is specifically the phase where ice turns into water as temperatures rise, contributing to the process of ablation but not to movement. Thus, "flow" accurately encapsulates the movement mechanism of glaciers.