dirtband ogive

glaciology

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Last updated

June 17, 2026

Quick Summary

A "dirt band" is a dark-colored layer within a glacier that forms from accumulated dust or debris on its former surface.1

"Ogive" has multiple meanings. In architecture, it refers to a diagonal arch or rib in a Gothic vault or a pointed arch. In statistics, it's a graph representing a cumulative distribution function.2

Glaciology is the study of glaciers. Glaciers can exhibit various surface features, including wave ogives and dirtband ogives, which are curved bands that appear below icefalls. Dirtband ogives are caused by seasonal differences in dust accumulation or trapped snow.3

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glacier
Surface features
Dirtband ogives also may occur below icefalls; these are caused by seasonal differences in the amount of dust or by snow trapped in the icefall. In plan view, the ogives are invariably distorted into arcs or curves convex downglacier; hence the name ogive.
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Dirtband ogives also may occur below icefalls; these are caused by seasonal differences in the amount of dust or by snow trapped in the icefall. In plan view, the ogives are invariably distorted into arcs or curves convex downglacier; hence the name ogive.
Read More