Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
Geo-inSight
Valley Glaciers and Erosion
Valley glaciers effectively erode and produce several easily re-
cognized landforms. Where glaciers move through mountain
valleys, the valleys are deepened and widened, giving them a
distinctive U-shaped profile. The peaks and ridges rising
above valley glaciers are also eroded, and they become jagged
and angular. Much of the spectacular scenery in Grand Teton
National Park, Wyoming, Yosemite National Park,
California, and Glacier National Park, Montana, resulted
from erosion by valley glaciers. In fact, valley glaciers remain
active in some of the mountains of western North America,
especially in Alaska and Canada.
1.
2. Part of southwestern Greenland (right) where valley
glaciers merged to form an ice cap. Should these glaciers
melt, several landforms like those in Figure 14.12c would
be present. The Teton Range in Wyoming (above) acquired
its angular peaks and ridges and broadly rounded valleys as
a result of erosion by valley glaciers.
James S. Monroe
3.
4.
5. U-shaped glacial troughs. The glacial trough above is in
northern Montana, whereas the one above right is in southern
Germany. The lake is impounded behind a glacial deposit
known as an end moraine. The steep-walled glacial trough
in Norway (right) extends below sea level, so it is a fiord.
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