Figure F16. Relationship between temperature, accumulation, and ablation according to Warrick and Oerlemans (1990). The temperature at which mass balance is maximum is around -13°C. Above that temperature, ablation rapidly removes ice; below, the amount of precipitation falls because of falling vapor pressure.

Figure F16. Relationship between temperature, accumulation, and ablation according to Warrick and Oerlemans (1990). The temperature at which mass balance is maximum is around -13°C. Above that temperature, ablation rapidly removes ice; below, the amount of precipitation falls because of falling vapor pressure.