Book 18, Question 20
Why Does Ice Ooze Downhill Like Thick Honey?
Ice looks solid, but under its own huge weight it can slowly flow downhill like thick honey! Rivers of ice carry it toward the sea.
More fun facts
- Glaciers are called rivers of ice because they really flow.
- The ice's weight squeezes it, and ice grains slide past one another.
- That makes the ice move slowly downhill.
- Meltwater flows through hidden tunnels to the base and helps the ice slide.
- At the front, chunks break off as icebergs, which is called calving.
Sources: NASA
Questions kids ask
Why are glaciers called rivers of ice?
Because they really flow. The ice's weight squeezes it, and ice grains slide past one another.