What is a glacier?

KCSE Geography Paper 1 2003 Section B Question 7.

​ a) (i) What is a glacier?

• It is mass of moving ice

​(ii) Distinguish between valley glaciers and ice sheets

• Valley glaciers are formed on highlands above the snow line while ice sheets are found in lowlands in the high latitude regions/valley glaciers are confined in valleys while ice sheets cover extensive landscapes

​b) The diagram (in the question paper) represents an upland glaciated landscape. Use it to answer question b (i) and (ii)

​(i) Name the features Marked D, E and F

• D- Truncated spur
• E- ribbon lake
• F- glacial trough/U-shaped valley

​(ii) Describe how pyramidal peak is formed

• Ice accumulates in several cracks/hollows on mountain sides
• Ice exerts pressure on the cracks /hollows
• Plucking action of ice enlarges the hollow allowing more ice to collect in them
• Freeze-thaw action leads to expansion of cracks/hollows making them large basins
• Moving ice plucks off loose rock materials from the basin thus enlarging them further
• Nivation eats into the back wall of basins making them recede into the mountain side.
• Steep sided knife edged ridges are formed separating the basins
• Three or more of these ridges/arêtes converge at the mountain top forming a jagged peak known as a pyramidal peak/horn.

​(c) Explain the significance of upland glaciated features to human activities

• The warm glaciated valleys are suitable for livestock farming/cultivation
• Glacial upland areas form magnificent features that encourages secretion and tourism
• Glaciated mountains encourage the growth of forests hence lumbering is practiced
• Waterfalls formed in glaciated uplands provide suitable sites for hydro-electric power production
• Corrie lakes/tarns offers suitable areas for trout fishing
• U-shaped valleys form natural route ways
• Flood coastlines form deep well sheltered natural harbours/good fishing grounds.

​(d) Students from a school near Mt. Kenya were planning to carry out a field study of the glaciated features on the top of the mountain.
(i) Give four reasons why it would be difficult for the students to undertake the field study on the glaciated features on the mountain

• Climbing the mountain is difficult due to the rugged terrain
• The features are found far from schools/settlements
• Time may be inadequate 
• The study may be hindered by poor weather conditions/rain/low temperatures
• The thick forest/vegetation cover may be difficult to cross/may have dangerous wild animals
• It would be expensive to prepare for the kind of field study

​(ii) Kenya to describe how the students would use a photograph of Mt. identify the glaciated features of the mountain.

• By dividing it into parts
• By observing and identifying the features in each part of the photograph
• By drawing sketches of the feature observed
• By labeling the features observed

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