Article
Article
Ice field
Article By:
Miller, Maynard M. Department of Geology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan; Foundation for Glacial and Environmental Research, Seattle, Washington.
Last reviewed:November 2019
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.335400
A network of interconnected glaciers or ice streams, with common source area or areas, in contrast to ice sheets and ice caps. The German word Eisstromnetz, which translates literally to ice-stream net, is sometimes used for glacial systems of moderate size (such as less than 3000 mi2 or 8000 km2) and is most applicable to mountainous regions. Being generally associated with terrane of substantial relief, ice-field glaciers are mostly of the broad-basin, cirque, and mountain-valley type. Thus, different sections of an ice field are often separated by linear ranges, bedrock ridges, and nunataks.
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