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Figure 72. Some glaciological parameters of a mountain glacier shown in, A, cross-sectional view and, B, plan view. The accumulation area plus ablation area represents the total glacier area. The positive net mass balance (b_n) of the accumulation area and the negative net mass balance of the ablation area are separated by the equilibrium line altitude (ELA) where net mass balance is zero (b_n=0). The accumulation area ratio (AAR) is determined by dividing the accumulation area by the total area of the glaciers. The length of a glacier is measured from the terminus along its mid-line (dashed line) to its uppermost margin. Modified from Andrews (1975, p. 33, fig. 3-1A).