Drumlins

Drumlins are elongated hills made of glacial deposits. They are typically found in regions that were covered by glaciers during the last ice age.

Formation of Drumlins

Drumlins are formed as glaciers move over the landscape, picking up and depositing sediments. As the glacier advances, it deposits a mixture of clay, silt, sand, and gravel in the shape of an elongated hill or ridge. Over time, these deposits are shaped by the moving glacier, resulting in the characteristic streamlined, teardrop shape of drumlins.

Characteristics of Drumlins

• Teardrop-shaped, with a steep side facing the direction of the glacial movement and a more gradual slope on the other side.
• Can vary in size, ranging from tens to hundreds of meters in height and several kilometers in length.
• Often found in groups or fields, known as drumlin fields.

Study Guide

Key Concepts

• Formation of drumlins
• Characteristics of drumlins
• Relationship between drumlins and glacial movement

Discussion Questions

1. How are drumlins formed?
2. What are the distinguishing features of drumlins?
3. Explain the role of glacial movement in shaping drumlins.

Activities

• Observe images of drumlins and discuss their shape and formation.
• Visit a local museum or geological site to learn more about glacial deposits and drumlin formations.
• Conduct a research project on the geological history of an area with drumlin formations.

[Drumlins] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Agents of Erosion and DepositionScience • Seventh Grade