The Andean Glacier and Water Atlas

Glacier classification

(WGMS and GLIMS) Selected glacier types found in the Andes, based on secondary characteristics

Tidewater glacier Glaciers that flow down into the ocean. They often calve numerous small icebergs. Numerous tidewater glaciers in Patagonia originate in the ice fields and terminate in the Chilean fjords.

Cirque glacier A special type of mountain glacier that forms in a cirque – an amphitheatre-shaped depression on the side of a mountain in which snow and ice accumulates. As cirque glaciers grow, they may spread into valleys and form valley glaciers. Venezuela has one remaining cirque glacier, the Humboldt glacier.

Piedmont glacier

A type of ice field formed on a lowland by the lateral expansion of a glacier or the coalescence of several glaciers.

Hanging glacier

A glacier perched on a steep mountain-side or issuing from a hanging valley.

Debris covered glacier A mountain glacier where the ablation area is covered by rock debris. The debris is predominantly derived from rockfall but may also contain basal debris that has reached the surface due to deformation processes. In the accumulation area rock debris is mixed with snow. When it moves into the ablation area, melting increases the concentration of debris at the surface.

Ice apron

Steep, ice covered mountain faces. Usually thin ice mass which adhere to a mountain slope or ridge.

Sources: Cogley et al., 2011; Rau et al. 2005; National Snow and Ice Data Center, 2018; Hambrey & Alean 2016; and Braun & Bezada, 2013

21