一般而言，以最热月月均温0°C的等温线为界，分为堆积区和消融区。

以最热月月均温0°C的等温线为界，上游地势较高，温度较低，冰雪终年堆积，属于冰河的堆积区；下游地势较低，温度较高，一旦温度超过0°C，冰河便会使消融，属于冰河的消融区。

On a glacier, the accumulation zone is the area above the firn line, where snowfall accumulates and exceeds the losses from ablation, (melting, evaporation, and sublimation). The annual Glacier equilibrium line separates the accumulation and ablation zone annually. The accumulation zone is also defined as the part of a glacier’s surface, usually at higher elevations, on which there is net accumulation of snow, which subsequently turns into firn and then glacier ice. Part of the glacier where snow builds up and turns to ice moves outward from there.