Fluvioglacial landscapes Flashcards
What are the three main types of depositional landforms in fluvioglacial landscapes?
Kames, eskers, outwash plains
Describe what a kame is.
A hill or hummock composed of stratified sand and gravel deposited by glacial meltwater
Name the two different categories of kame.
Delta kame, terrace kame
Outline the two methods of formation of a delta kame.
Englacial streams emerge from the snout of a glacier, losing their energy at the base of the glacier and depositing their load OR supra glacial streams losing energy when meeting a static body of water in a ice-marginal lake
Where can kames be found?
East Lothian, Scotland
Where can terrace kames be located in relation to a glacial valley?
Along the edge of the valley floor
Outline how kame terraces are formed.
Supraglacial streams at the edge of a glacier transport lateral moraine, depositing it as the glacier retreats
What is the main difference between lateral moraine and kames?
The material is more rounded and sorted in a kame than in moraine
Where can kame terraces be found?
Kingsdale valley in the Yorkshire Dales
Describe a esker.
A long sinuous ridge composed of stratified sand and gravel deposited by glacial meltwater
How is material deposited in the formation of an esker?
It is deposited in sub-glacial tunnels as the supply of meltwater decreases at the end of the glacial period
What is the more controversial explanation for the formation of an esker?
That deposition occurs when the pressure is released and meltwater emerges at the glacial snout
What can cause beading in an esker?
When the retreat of the glacier slows or halts, eskers can be taller than at other points, giving the effect of beads
Give a named example of an esker, where it is and its approximate dimensions.
The Trim esker, near Dublin, 14.5km long, 4-15m high
What is the alternative name for an outwash plain?
A sandur
