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.

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