Glaciers move quickest in their mid-sections on the surface. They move slowest underneath the ice and along the their sides where the ice comes in contact with the rock surfaces and is slowed by friction. Some glaciers may move at 1 to 2 inches per year. Ice under the surface flows like a plastic material.
Glaciers accumulate snow in the Zone of Accumulation.
This is where snow fall exceeds evaporation. In the Zone of Ablation, below the zone of accumulation, evaporation exceeds accumulation and it is here where the glacier begins to melt. Material being pushed along by the glacier produces moraines. Outwash materials from the glacier, in contrast, are sorted materials. These materials are born by water flowing off and out from underneath the glacier.