| Term: | Snowfield |
| Definition: |
A more or less extensive and persistent mass of snow. Snowfields are more extensive than snowpatches, but the distinction is not made precisely in common usage. A snowfield that is perennial may be difficult to distinguish from a glacier. IHPGlacierMassBalance
Large expanse of permanent ice and snow which may extend down to sea-level, or may be intermontane, cf. plateau. UKAntarcticTerms 1. Generally, an extensive area of snow-covered ground or ice, relatively smooth and uniform in appearance and composition. This term is often used to describe such an area in otherwise coarse, mountainous, or glacial terrain. 2. In glaciology, a region of permanent snow cover, more specifically applied to the accumulation area of glaciers. AMSglossary An area of permanent snow accumulation. Usually at high altitudes or latitudes. PhysicalGeography GCW |