| Term: | Nivation |
| Definition: |
Nivation is a collective name for the different processes that occur under a Snow Patch. The primary processes are Mass Wasting and the freeze and thaw cycle, in which fallen Snow gets compacted into Firn. Nivation includes various sub-processes related to Snow Patches which may be immobile or semi-permanent. These sub-processes include erosion, weathering, and meltwater flow from beneath the Snow Patch. TrombottoGeocryology
Process where snow patches initiate erosion through physical weathering, meltwater flow, and gelifluction. PhysicalGeography GCW |