Table of Contents
Glaciers are massive bodies of ice that shape landscapes through their movement and melting processes. They develop various physical features that are distinctive and important for understanding their dynamics. This article explains some of the key features: crevasses, seracs, and icefalls.
Crevasses
Crevasses are deep cracks that form on the surface of a glacier. They occur due to the stress caused by the glacier’s movement over uneven terrain or when different parts of the glacier move at different speeds. Crevasses can be several meters wide and tens of meters deep.
Seracs
Seracs are large blocks or columns of ice that are formed when crevasses intersect or when ice breaks apart. They often appear as towering, jagged structures and are common in glacier icefalls. Seracs are unstable and can collapse without warning.
Icefalls
An icefall is a steep section of a glacier where the ice flows rapidly over a cliff or steep slope. This creates a chaotic jumble of ice blocks, seracs, and crevasses. Icefalls are dangerous due to their unstable nature and the risk of falling ice.
- Crevasses
- Seracs
- Icefalls
- Icebergs
- Moraines