Formation of Kames Flashcards
What is a kame?
A kame is a hill or hummock composed of stratified sand and gravel laid down by glacial meltwater.
How many types of kames are there?
There are two types of kames.
How do delta kames form?
Delta kames form in different ways. Some are formed by englacial streams emerging at the snout of the glacier, losing energy at the base of the glacier and depositing their load. Others result from supraglacial streams depositing material upon entering ice-marginal lakes, losing energy as they enter the static body of water. Some delta kames also form as debris-filled crevasses collapse during ice retreat.
Where are kames widespread?
Kames are widespread in East Lothian, Scotland.
What are kame terraces?
Kame terraces are ridges of material running along the edge of the valley floor.
How do kame terraces form?
Kame terraces form as supraglacial streams on the edge of the glacier pick up and carry lateral moraine, which is later deposited on the valley floor as the glacier retreats. The streams form due to the melting of ice warmed in contact with the valley sides as a result of friction and heat-retaining properties of the valley-side slopes.
How are kame terraces different from lateral moraines?
Unlike moraines, kame terraces are composed of glacio-fluvial deposits that are more rounded and sorted.
Can you give an example of a kame terrace location?
In the Kingsdale valley of the Yorkshire Dales, a kame terrace extends for about 2 km along the north side of the valley. It is approximately 2 m high for most of its length.
