Corries Flashcards
What is a corrie
A corrie is a horseshoe-shaped valley which is formed through erosion by ice or glaciers
In What way does the corrie face
North-facing
What are the three different forms of erosion which are key in the formation of a glacier
Freeze-thaw weathering, abrasion, plucking
What is the first stage of a corrie forming
Snow collects in a sheltered hollow on the side of a mountain. This is usually on North-facing slopes in the northern hemisphere. The snow doesn’t melt in the summer because it is high up, sheltered and cold.
What is the second stage of a corrie forming
Every winter, more snow collects in the hollow. This becomes compacted and the air is squeezed out leaving ice.
What is the third stage of a corrie forming
The back wall of the corrie gets steeper due to freeze-thaw weathering and plucking
What is the fourth stage for a corrie forming
The base of the corrie becomes deeper due to abrasion
What is the fifth stage of a corrie forming
As the glacier gets heavier it moves downhill. The glacier moves out of the hollow in a circular motion called rotational slip
What is the sixth stage of a corrie forming
Due to less erosion at the front of the glacier a corrie lip is formed.
What is the last stage of a corrie forming (seventh stage)
After the glacier has melted a lake forms in the hollow. This is called a corrie lake or tarn.
How many stages are their for the formation of a corrie
7
