Glacial Processes Flashcards
1
Q
Define a crevasses
A
It has already been observed that there is unequal movement of ice in glacier. The top and middle of the ice moves much faster than its bottoms and the sides of the glacier. The cracks marked on the glacier because of the splitting up of ice as a result of its unequal movement are known as crevasses.
2
Q
Define a bergschrund
A
when the upper part of the valley glacier comes out of the ice field along a steep slope, it develops a big crack known as bergschrund.
It is covered by fresh snow in winter but opens out in the summer when the snow melts away.
3
Q
what is bergschrund called in german and french respectively?
A
german - firn
french- neve
4
Q
what is a cirque
A
- it is a steep walled rock basin on the side of the mountain.
- open at one end
- has a flat bottom and very steep slopes on three sides
- seperated from the main valley down its open end by a slightly higher ground.
- scooped out as a niche of intensive frost action.
- in the early stages it maintains its semi circular shape but then later becomes broad and flat.
5
Q
What is the most famous cirque
A
Cirque-De-Cavernic in the French Pyranees
