Monday 9 April 2012

Erosional features of alpine glaciers


-Alpine glaciers originate in hillside hollows where snow can build up without sliding down the steep slopes. The depression created by the plucking and abrasion work of the hillside hollow is called a cirque.
-When this cirque fills with water after glaciation, a tarn(lake) is formed
-The sharp ridge formed when glaciers flowing parallel to one another may erode the valley walls is called an arete
-If excessive erosion continues, arete may be completely worn down and a mountain pass called a col will be created