Which mechanism primarily determines the orientation (aspect) of a cirque on a mountain range?

💡 Explanation

When insolation varies with aspect, differential snow accumulation occurs because north-facing slopes in the northern hemisphere (south-facing in the southern) receive less direct sunlight, resulting in prolonged snow and ice cover and enhanced glacial erosion. Therefore orientation is primarily determined by sun exposure, rather than wind patterns, rock resistance, or precipitation which all play secondary roles.

• Which nutrient transport pattern does Ekman transport establish along eastern boundary currents where gyres rotate?
• Which process primarily drives downslope soil movement characteristic of solifluction within permafrost regions?
• Which outcome results as permafrost thaws within cryosol layers?
• Which outcome occurs when extensive loess deposits erode?
• Which flow regime occurs when oceanic upwelling weakens?
• Which mechanism regulates air temperatures across latitude during periods of increased solar irradiance?