Transport by Glaciers

Glaciers acquire a huge amount of rock debris by plucking, abrasion, and frost wedging. This material is transported in three ways.

(i). Super Glacial Load: The debris that falls from the valley walls on the glacier surface, is transported as a conveyor belt. Such debris is known as “Super Glacial Load”.

(ii). Englacial Load: Sooner or later a part of the debris is engulfed into crevasses. This material which is enclosed within the ice is called “englacial load”.

(iii). Sub-glacial Load: The debris present at the bottom of the glacier is called “subglacial load”. The subglacial load includes the material plucked from the rocky floor and a portion of the debris that reaches the base from above.