Glacial Erosion and Deposition

A set of flashcards focusing on key terms and concepts related to glacial erosion and deposition.

What is the process of glacial erosion where the glacier pulls loose rocks away?

Plucking.

What is the term for the erosion caused by rock fragments frozen into the glacier acting like sandpaper?

Abrasion.

What factors influence the rate of glacial erosion?

Gradient, depth of ice, and resistance of rock.

What is a Cirque or Corrie?

A basin-shaped hollow in a mountain with three steep sides, often containing a lake.

What is formed when three or more cirques surround a mountain top?

Pyramidal peak.

What characterizes a U-shaped valley?

A valley with a wide flat floor and steep sides.

What is a hanging valley?

A smaller glaciated valley that hangs above the main valley.

What is an Arête?

A narrow steep-sided ridge formed when two cirques form beside each other.

What are Drumlins?

Oval-shaped hills of boulder clay, indicating the direction of ice movement.

What are Erratics?

Large boulders transported by glacial ice away from their place of origin.

What is the feature created by the depositing of debris at the furthest point of glacier advance?

Terminal Moraine.

What are Eskers?

Long, narrow ridges of sand and gravel formed by meltwater.

What are Ribbon Lakes?

Long, narrow lakes on the floor of a U-shaped valley.

What defines a Fjord?

A U-shaped coastal inlet with very steep sides, a drowned valley.