English: Terminology and some key feedbacks related to mountain glacier retreat. ‘Positive’ amplifying feedbacks that amplify ice loss are shown by red boxes, and ‘negative’ damping feedbacks that limit ice loss are shown by blue boxes. Above the equilibrium line (dashed blue line) glaciers accumulate snow and therefore mass, and below they ‘ablate’ – i.e. melt and lose moss. Note that this depiction is limited to the most relevant and widely examined feedbacks – further self-amplifying or damping feedbacks may, however, exist.