Term: | Regelation |
Definition: | Regelation is the phenomenon of melting under pressure and freezing again when the pressure is reduced. A Glacier can exert a sufficient amount of pressure on its lower surface to lower the melting point of its ice. The melting of the Ice at the glacier's base allows it to move from a higher elevation to a lower elevation. Liquid water may flow from the base of a Glacier at lower elevations when the temperature of the air is above the freezing point of water. |