U4-2 - Calottes glaciaires et glaciers

Ice cap and glacier

Classification des habitats EUNIS 2022

Descriptif de l'habitat

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.

Bibliography

 European Topic Centre on Biological Diversity, 2021. EUNIS terrestrial habitat classification 2021 including crosswalks. ETC/BD-EEA. Table Excel transmise par S. Hennekens (Alterra) le 14/02/2022. (Source)