HOW FAST DO GLACIERS MOVE? In general, valley glaciers move more rapidly than continental glaciers, but the rates for both vary, ranging from centimeters to tens of meters per day. Valley glaciers moving down steep slopes flow more rapidly than glaciers of comparable size on gentle slopes, assuming that all other variables are the same. The main glacier in a valley glacier system contains a greater volume of ice and thus has a greater discharge and flow velocity than its tributaries (Figure 17.4). Temperature exerts a seasonal control on valley glaciers because, although plastic flow remains rather constant year-round, basal slip more important during warmer months when meltwater is more abundant.