📚 Topic Summary
Glacial erosion is the process where glaciers wear away and reshape the Earth's surface. Think of a giant ice cube scraping along the ground – that's what glaciers do! As they move, they pick up rocks and sediment, acting like sandpaper to carve out valleys and create unique landforms. The weight and movement of the ice, combined with the debris it carries, are powerful forces that dramatically alter landscapes over long periods.
🧊 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the following terms with their correct definitions:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Glaciers |
A. A bowl-shaped depression carved by a glacier. |
| 2. Erosion |
B. The wearing away of the earth's surface by the action of water, ice, wind, and gravity. |
| 3. Cirque |
C. Large mass of ice that moves slowly over land. |
| 4. U-shaped valley |
D. Ridges of sediment deposited at the end or side of a glacier. |
| 5. Moraines |
E. A valley with a characteristic U shape, formed by glacial action. |
Answer Key: 1-C, 2-B, 3-A, 4-E, 5-D
⛰️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences below using the words provided: Ice, Sediment, Gravity, Landscape, Plucking.
Glacial erosion dramatically changes the __________. Glaciers pick up rocks and __________ through a process called __________. The weight of the __________ and __________ help in this process.
Answer Key: Landscape, Sediment, Plucking, Ice, Gravity.
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Imagine you are hiking in a mountain range that was once covered by glaciers. What are some clues you might see that would tell you glaciers were there?
