Why do glaciers melt on the bottom but not on the top? This activity will give us a hint.

Arrange two groups of four ice cubes, and place a square of plastic wrap or cardboard on top of each group. Place a brick or a pile of heavy books on top of one group of ice cubes. Observe which group melts faster.

Decide whether or not pressure makes a difference in the rate of melting.

Similarly, the bottoms of glaciers melt due to the weight of the upper layers of ice.

Some theories suggest that the continuous process of melting, Re-freezing, and melting again contributes to the movement of glaciers.

Students should devise an activity that could duplicate a glacier and the situations generally surrounding glaciers, and see if it would move.