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Reference.org
Accumulation zone
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<p>On a <a href="/facts/Glacier/8GrKVUSS">glacier</a>, the accumulation zone is the area above the <a href="/facts/Firn/BYRTMueB">firn</a> line, where snowfall accumulates and exceeds the losses from <a href="/facts/Ablation/tTSHH09G">ablation</a>, (<a href="/facts/Melting/zhhDBo5V">melting</a>, <a href="/facts/Evaporation/tgvIlJys">evaporation</a>, and <a href="/facts/Sublimation_(chemistry)/KDoKokMn">sublimation</a>). The annual equilibrium line separates the accumulation and <a href="/facts/Ablation_zone/atPzWmPr">ablation zone</a> annually. The accumulation zone is also defined as the part of a glacier's surface, usually at higher elevations, on which there is net accumulation of snow, which subsequently turns into firn and then glacier ice. Part of the glacier where snow builds up and turns to ice moves outward from there. </p>