Mountain Environments and Glaciers

Erosion is the process by which glaciers erode and transport material through the movement of ice and the grinding action of rocks and debris.

Valley glaciers are long, narrow glaciers that flow down steep mountain valleys.

Accumulation is the process by which snow and ice accumulate on a glacier's surface.

Crevasses are deep cracks that form in a glacier's surface due to the movement of ice.

Moraines are ridges of debris that form along the edge of a glacier as it moves.

Continental glaciers are large ice sheets that cover a large area of land and are typically found in polar regions.

Ablation is the process by which glaciers melt and lose mass.

Ice caps are broad, gently sloping glaciers that cover a large area of land.

Flow is the movement of a glacier due to the pressure of the ice.

Piedmont glaciers form at the base of a mountain range and spread out like a fan.

Nunataks are areas of bare rock and debris that are left behind when a glacier retreats.

Valley glaciers are characterized by a steep, cascading flow and are often found in mountainous areas.

Glaciation is the process by which glaciers form.

Ice caps are characterized by a relatively flat surface and are found in mountainous areas.

Flow is the process by which glaciers move.