Drumlins

A drumlin is a long, canoe-shaped hill made of glacial till. They are formed underneath a glacier and are typically found in groups called drumlin fields. These elongated hills are usually aligned in the direction of the glacier's flow and can be several hundred meters long, tens of meters wide, and tens of meters high.

Formation of Drumlins

Drumlins are formed by the movement of glaciers during the process of glaciation. As a glacier moves over the land, it picks up loose sediments and rocks, which get deposited beneath the ice. Over time, the pressure and movement of the glacier cause these deposits to be molded into the characteristic shape of a drumlin.

Characteristics of Drumlins

• Canoe-shaped hills
• Made of glacial till
• Aligned in the direction of glacier flow
• Found in drumlin fields

Study Guide

Here are some key points to understand about drumlins:

1. Formation: Understand the process of how drumlins are formed under glaciers and the role of glacial movement and deposition in shaping these landforms.
2. Characteristics: Be able to describe the physical characteristics of drumlins, including their shape, composition, and typical arrangement in drumlin fields.
3. Importance: Explore the significance of drumlins in understanding past glacial activity and their role in shaping the landscape.
4. Comparison: Compare and contrast drumlins with other glacial landforms such as eskers, moraines, and kames.
5. Examples: Identify specific locations where drumlins are found and examine their impact on local geography and ecosystems.

By understanding the formation and characteristics of drumlins, as well as their significance in studying past glacial events, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the dynamic processes that shape the Earth's surface.