Moraines

Hi there! Let's learn about moraines, which are important landforms created by glaciers.

What are Moraines?

Moraines are accumulations of rock, soil, and other debris that have been carried and deposited by a glacier. They are typically found along the edges or surface of a glacier, and can also be left behind as the glacier retreats.

Types of Moraines

There are several types of moraines:

• Terminal Moraine: This is a ridge of debris that marks the farthest advance of a glacier.
• Lateral Moraine: These are ridges of debris deposited along the sides of a glacier.
• Medial Moraine: Formed when two glaciers merge, a medial moraine is a ridge of debris running down the center of the combined glacier.
• Ground Moraine: This is a layer of till, or unsorted material, left behind by a retreating glacier.

Formation of Moraines

Moraines are formed through the process of glacial erosion and deposition. As a glacier moves, it erodes the underlying rock and soil, picking up debris along the way. When the glacier melts or retreats, it deposits this debris to form moraines.

Importance of Moraines

Moraines provide valuable information about past glacial activity and the movement of glaciers. They also have significant impacts on the landscape, influencing factors such as water flow, soil composition, and vegetation growth.

Study Guide

Here are some key points to remember about moraines:

1. What are moraines?
2. What are the different types of moraines?
3. How are moraines formed?
4. Why are moraines important?

Now that you've learned about moraines, you can understand how glaciers shape the Earth's surface and leave behind important geological features. Great job!

[Moraines] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Agents of Erosion and DepositionScience • Seventh Grade