A. Glacier Formation Properties of Ice: Ice is a crystalline solid with a specific molecular structure that affects its density and behavior. It’s less dense than water, allowing it to float. This crystalline structure also determines how ice deforms and flows in glaciers. Formation of Glacial Ice: Snow accumulates and compresses into névé (compact snow), which eventually turns into firn (an intermediate stage), and then into dense glacial ice as it undergoes further compression. Glacial Budget/Mass Balance: This refers to the balance between the accumulation of ice (from snowfall) and ablation (loss of ice from melting or sublimation). The equilibrium line marks the division between accumulation and ablation zones. Glacial Flow: Glaciers move due to internal deformation and basal sliding (sliding over the bedrock below). The rate of flow depends on factors like slope, elevation, and temperature, with glaciers flowing faster on steeper slopes and at lower elevations.