Glacial Landforms Overview

Glacier Overview

• A glacier is a large, slow-moving mass of ice formed from compacted snow layers.
• Movement results from the glacier's weight, occurring in regions with more snowfall in winter than summer melting.

U-Shaped Valley

• Created through glacial erosion in pre-existing V-shaped valleys.
• Characterized by a wide, deep cross-section with steep sides and a flat floor.

V-Shaped Valley

• Formed by river erosion in mountainous regions.
• Features steep sides and a narrow, winding valley floor.

Hanging Valley

• A smaller side valley that intersects with the main glacial valley at a higher elevation.
• Results when tributary glaciers erode less deeply than the main glacier, leaving tributary valleys elevated above the main valley.

Corrie (Cirque)

• An amphitheater-shaped hollow located at the glacier's head.
• Formed by glacial erosion combined with freeze-thaw weathering, resulting in snow accumulation and compression into ice that erodes the back wall and floor.

Pyramidal Peak

• A pointed mountain peak characterized by three or more sharp ridges known as arêtes radiating from it.
• Formed by the erosion of multiple corries surrounding a central point, sharpening the peak's structure.

Arête

• A sharp, narrow ridge that separates two corries or glacial valleys.
• Created by glaciers eroding the rock on both sides, leaving a distinct ridge.

Glacial Deposits

Moraine

• Composed of unsorted glacial debris, known as till, deposited by glaciers.

Glaciers Overview

• Large, slow-moving ice masses formed through compacted snow layers.
• Occur in regions with greater winter snow accumulation than summer melting.

U-Shaped Valley

• Created by glacial erosion in pre-existing V-shaped valleys.
• Features steep sides and a flat floor, resulting from the glacier's widening and deepening effect.

V-Shaped Valley

• Formed through river erosion, typical in mountainous terrains.
• Distinguished by steep sides and a narrow, winding floor.

Hanging Valley

• A smaller side valley that connects with the main glacial valley at a higher altitude.
• Results from tributary glaciers eroding less deeply than the main glacier, giving the appearance of being "hung."

Corrie (Cirque)

• An amphitheater-like hollow located at the glacier's head.
• Created by glacial erosion combined with freeze-thaw weathering, leading to snow accumulation and consequent erosion of the surrounding rock.

Pyramidal Peak

• A sharp, pointed mountain peak bordered by three or more arêtes.
• Formed from erosion by multiple corries surrounding a central peak, resulting in a distinct pyramidal shape.

Arête

• A narrow, sharp ridge created between two adjacent corries or glacial valleys.
• Formed by glacier erosion on either side, which carves out rock to create the ridge.

Glacial Deposits

• Composed of unsorted glacial debris known as till, deposited by glacier movement.
• Moraines are prominent features of glacial deposits, showcasing the accumulation of materials from glacial activity.