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Year 9 - Geography

Glacier formation

Ice and glaciers: How are cold places affected by a warming planet?

Unit Summary

This unit teaches pupils about the physical processes that influence cold places around the world and how areas of ice have changed over time due to climatic variations. Pupils will learn about the impact of global warming on glaciated areas and what this means for the future of our planet.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain what glaciers are, how they form and why they move.

Key Notes

  • Glaciers are large slow-moving rivers of ice.
  • The frozen parts of our planet are collectively known as the cryosphere.
  • Glaciers are made up of snow and ice that has been compressed over many years.
  • Glaciers begin to move under the force of gravity.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • cryosphere: the frozen parts of our planet
  • glacier: a huge accumulation of ice and snow that moves slowly over land down slope under the force of gravity
  • gravity: the force by which a planet, or other large body, draws objects to its centre

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Glaciers are made of salt water

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this geography topic using two clear key points.

Glaciers are large slow-moving rivers of ice. The frozen parts of our planet are collectively known as the cryosphere.

2. Define this geography term and use it in an example. 'cryosphere'

the frozen parts of our planet.

3. Correct this common geography misunderstanding.

Mistake: Glaciers are made of salt water. Correction: Glaciers are made of fresh water from snow and rain.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 9 Geography guide library.