Glacial Landforms Quiz

Glacial Features

• An arête is a sharp-crested ridge formed by the convergence of two or more glaciers, which results in the erosion of the surrounding rock.

Mountain Peaks

• A horn is created by the erosion of three or more glaciers, which converge to form a sharp, peak-like feature.

Valleys

• A hanging valley is a valley that is higher than the main valley, formed when a tributary glacier flows into a larger glacier, which then carves out a deeper valley.

Moraines

• A lateral moraine is a ridge of rocks and debris that forms along the sides of a glacier, as a result of the accumulation of rocks and soil.
• A medial moraine is a ridge of rocks and debris that forms when two or more glaciers merge, and their lateral moraines combine.
• A terminal (end) moraine consists of a ridge of rocks and debris that marks the furthest point of glacial advance, and is formed when the glacier stops moving and deposits its load.

Glacial Movement

• As the glacier moves, lateral moraines are pushed forward and can merge with the terminal moraine.
• A recessional moraine is a series of ridges formed when a glacier retreats, leaving behind a series of deposits.

Waterfalls

• Waterfalls generally occur where a stream flows over a steep drop in the landscape, often at the point where a hanging valley meets the main valley.