6.6 - GLACIERS

Today, we’re going to learn about glaciers. Can someone tell me what a glacier is?

That's correct, but glaciers are more than just ice; they're massive ice formations that move slowly over land. Glaciers can be classified as either continental glaciers, which cover large areas, or mountain glaciers, which flow down through valleys.

Good question! Glaciers can move as slowly as a few centimeters a day, depending on several factors. The movement is caused mainly by gravity.

Glaciers are powerful agents of erosion. They reshape the landscape, forming unique features like U-shaped valleys and cirques.

Exactly! And we'll dive deeper into those landforms shortly.

To remember, think of glaciers as giant, slow-moving rivers of ice shaping the earth. This can be framed as 'Glaciers = Giant Ice Mowers'.

By the end of this topic, you should be able to explain how glaciers form, move, and their impact on the earth's surface.

Now that we know about glaciers, let's talk about how they erode the landscape. One common feature is the cirque. Who can describe a cirque?

That's right! Cirques are often found at the heads of glacial valleys and may form lakes called tarns once the glacier melts.

Horns are sharp peaks formed when multiple glaciers erode a mountain from different sides. Think of them as nature’s way of making peaks pointy through erosion.

Great question! Glacial erosion creates U-shaped valleys, which differ from the V-shaped valleys formed by rivers. The broad, flat floor of the glacial valley is a key characteristic.

Finally, can anyone explain what moraines are?

Exactly! Moraines can be terminal or lateral, indicating where the glacier deposited material. To remember all the landforms: 'Cirques are bowls, horns are peaks, U-shaped valleys are wide and deep, and moraines mark the fields and edges.'

We’ve covered erosional forms, now let’s talk about the debris left behind by glaciers, known as glacial till. Who knows what till is?

Yes! Till consists of various sizes of rocks and sediment that glaciers leave behind as they melt. We can also discuss outwash, which occurs when meltwater streams carry and sort debris further from the glacier.

Drumlins are elongated mounds formed by the movement of glacial till. They are indicators of the direction of glacier movement. Think of them as the goosebumps on the ground left behind by glaciers.

Eskers are long ridges formed by sediment left by meltwater flowing beneath the glacier. They often appear as winding hills in a landscape and can provide insight into glacial movement.

To remember this, think: 'Till is dropped, outwash flows, drumlins shape from ice, and eskers wind below!'

Now, let’s summarize what we've learned about glaciers. Can anyone list the main erosional forms?

Exactly! And what about depositional landforms?

Superb! Glaciers really reshape our landscapes. Remember, their movements are slow, but the effects are profound. Whether through carving out valleys or depositing till, glaciers have a lasting impact on Earth's surface.

That’s the beauty of geology, and glaciers are a major player in shaping our planet. Always think 'Giant Ice Mowers of Earth' to recall their vital role. Well done today, everyone!