NASA | Lakes On A Glacier

The video discusses the presence of meltwater on glaciers, ranging from shallow lagoons to deep lakes. Glaciologists observe variations in ice and snow, noting the network structure of lakes. The color of the lakes, particularly the blue hue, indicates their depth. The interaction of sunlight with lake water involves absorption, scattering, and reflection, which can be observed by satellites like Landsat. These lakes absorb more solar energy, leading to increased melting and potential impacts on glacier dynamics, such as speeding up ice flow due to water reaching the glacier base.

What is the range of depths that glacial lakes can reach?

• Up to 30 feet

• Up to 10 feet

• Up to 20 feet

• Up to 40 feet

How can the depth of a glacial lake be visually estimated?

• By the color of the water

• By the amount of dust in the ice

• By the size of the lake

• By the brightness of the ice

What role does Landsat play in studying glacial lakes?

• It determines the depth of the lakes

• It calculates the volume of the lakes

• It captures images of the lakes

• It measures the temperature of the lakes

What happens when glacial lakes absorb more energy from the sun?

• They reflect more light

• They melt more

• They become shallower

• They freeze over

Why are glacial lakes significant in the study of ice sheets?

• They can speed up ice sheet movement

• They help in ice sheet formation

• They provide drinking water

• They are a source of minerals