Features of Glacial Erosion

Question 1

How is a Corrie Basin formed?

Answer 1

• Snow collects in hollow on side of mountain, usually on North facing slopes in Northern hemisphere
• Snow doesn’t melt in summer, cold and sheltered
• Collects more snow every year, compacted, air is squeezed out leaving ice
• Back wall gets steeper due to freeze thaw weathering and plucking
• Base of Corrie gets deeper due to abrasion
• Gets heavier and moves down hill. Moves out of hollow in circular motion called rotational slip
• Due to less erosion at the front of the glacier a corrie lip is formed
• After melting a lake forms in hollow