Glacial Activity

Glacial activity refers to the processes and features associated with the movement and melting of glaciers. Glaciers are large masses of ice that form in areas where more snow falls than melts. Over time, the weight of the accumulating snow compresses the lower layers into ice. As the glacier moves, it erodes the land, creating distinct landforms and shaping the landscape.

Key Concepts

1. Formation of Glaciers: Glaciers form in areas where the amount of snowfall exceeds the amount of snowmelt over many years. The accumulated snow compacts into ice, forming a glacier.
2. Erosion and Deposition: Glaciers erode the land through processes such as plucking and abrasion. They also deposit sediment as they melt, creating distinctive landforms like moraines and drumlins.
3. Glacial Movement: Glaciers move under the influence of gravity and their own weight. This movement can create features like U-shaped valleys and fjords.
4. Impact on Climate and Sea Levels: Glacial activity plays a role in regulating the Earth's climate and can contribute to changes in sea levels through the melting of polar ice.

Study Guide

As you study glacial activity, consider the following questions:

1. What conditions are necessary for the formation of glaciers?
2. How do glaciers shape the landscape through erosion and deposition?
3. What are the different types of glacial landforms and how are they created?
4. What role do glaciers play in shaping the Earth's climate and impacting sea levels?

Be sure to explore the vocabulary associated with glacial activity, such as moraine, till, and glacial erratic. Understanding these terms will help you grasp the processes and features involved in glacial activity.