What do we call a large body of ice that moves slowly over land?

A large body of ice that moves slowly over land is called a glacier. Glaciers form from the accumulation and compaction of snow over many years, resulting in a dense mass of ice. They can advance and retreat based on changes in temperature and precipitation, which affects the balance between accumulation and melting of snow and ice.

Glaciers play a crucial role in the Earth's hydrological system and are significant indicators of climate change. As temperatures rise, many glaciers around the world are retreating, contributing to rising sea levels and affecting local ecosystems. Understanding glaciers also helps researchers learn about Earth’s climate history as they contain layers of ice that trap air bubbles, providing valuable information about past atmospheric conditions.

Other terms, such as iceberg, snowfield, and permafrost, refer to different phenomena related to ice but do not accurately describe a large body of ice that flows over land. Icebergs are chunks of ice that have broken off from glaciers and float in open water. Snowfields are areas of snow that may not undergo significant melting but do not exhibit the movement characteristic of glaciers. Permafrost refers to permanently frozen ground and is not a body of ice in motion.