Glaciers Flashcards
(8 cards)
What are two main processes of glacial erosion?
Plucking and Abrasion
What is the definition of plucking?
As the glacier moves, it pulls rocks from the ground. This happens when the ice melts slightly at the base, causing water to seep into cracks in the rock. When this water refreezes, it expands and “plucks” chunks of rock, carrying them along with the glacier.
What is the definition of Abrasion?
Rocks and debris carried by the glacier grind against the land beneath, like sandpaper. This action creates scratches on the rock surface, known as striations, which can indicate the direction the glacier moved.
What is the material transported by glaciers?
The material transported by glaciers is known as moraine and is classified based on where it is located
What is the definition of Lateral moraines?
These are ridges of debris found along the sides of a glacier, formed by material that falls from the valley walls or is plucked from the sides by the glacier.
What is the definition of Medial moraines?
When two glaciers meet, the debris from their lateral moraines combines and forms a ridge down the centre of the joined glacier.
What is the definition of Ground moraines?
Found at the base of the glacier, these are deposits of material that were plucked from the valley floor as the glacier moved.
What is the definition of Terminal moraines?
These form at the front of a glacier and mark the furthest point the glacier has advanced. They consist of debris pushed along by the glacier as it moves.
