In article ,
Martin Thornquist wrote:
I'm not sure about the exact scientific classification, but basically
a valley glacier runs down just one valley, while a plateau glacier
covers several valleys and the ridges between them.

There there are about 4 qualitative glacier types like ice sheets,
valley glaciers, piedmont, etc. Right now only ice sheets (the 2 big ones)
matter. A new beginners DVD on the topic si coming out shortly.

sci.geo.geology topic.

--