Moraines

Moraines are a type of landform that are formed by the deposition of glacial debris. They are composed of a mixture of rocks, gravel, sand, and silt that have been transported and deposited by a glacier as it moves and melts. Moraines can be found in various shapes and sizes, and they provide important clues about the past behavior of glaciers.

Types of Moraines

There are several different types of moraines, including:

1. Terminal Moraine: This type of moraine is formed at the farthest advance of a glacier. It marks the maximum extent of the glacier's advance and can create ridges or mounds of debris.
2. Lateral Moraine: These moraines form along the sides of a glacier and are composed of material that has fallen onto the glacier from the valley walls. They can create parallel ridges of debris.
3. Medial Moraine: When two glaciers merge, the lateral moraines from each glacier combine to form a single moraine in the middle of the newly formed glacier.
4. Ground Moraine: This type of moraine is formed by the deposition of material directly from the base of the glacier. It creates a relatively flat layer of debris over the landscape.

Formation and Importance

Moraines are formed as a result of the movement and melting of glaciers. As a glacier moves, it picks up rocks and sediment from the valley floor and sides, as well as from the underlying bedrock. When the glacier melts, it deposits this material in the form of moraines. These landforms are important for understanding past glacial activity and can provide valuable information about climate change and geological history.

Study Guide

Here are some key points to remember about moraines:

• What are moraines?
• Types of moraines
• Formation of moraines
• Importance of moraines

Study questions:

1. What are the main components of a moraine?
2. How are terminal moraines formed?
3. Why are moraines important for understanding past glacial activity?

By understanding the formation and significance of moraines, we can gain a better understanding of the Earth's past climate and geological processes.

[Moraines] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Agents of Erosion and DepositionScience • Seventh Grade