What are Drumlins?

Drumlins are landforms that are created by the movement of glaciers. They are typically long, tear-shaped mounds of glacial till, which is a mixture of clay, sand, gravel, and boulders that the glacier has picked up as it moves. Drumlins are usually found in groups called drumlin fields, and they can vary in size from a few meters to several kilometers in length.

Formation of Drumlins

Drumlins form underneath glaciers as a result of the movement of ice. As a glacier moves, it scrapes and erodes the ground beneath it, picking up sediments and depositing them in a streamlined shape. The larger end of the drumlin points in the direction the glacier was moving, while the smaller end points in the opposite direction.

Characteristics of Drumlins

Drumlins are characterized by their elongated shape and steep stoss (upstream) side and gentler lee (downstream) side. They are often found in clusters and can create a distinct landscape feature in areas that were once covered by glaciers.

Study Guide

1. Describe the formation of drumlins and the role of glaciers in their creation.
2. Explain the distinctive shape of drumlins and how they are oriented in relation to the movement of the glacier.
3. Discuss the significance of drumlins in understanding past glacial movements and their impact on the landscape.
4. Compare and contrast drumlins with other glacial landforms such as moraines and eskers.
5. Investigate the current distribution of drumlins and their impact on modern landscapes.