Understanding What a Fjord Is
A fjord is a long, narrow coastal inlet with steep cliffs on both sides. Fjords form when glaciers carve deep valleys that later fill with seawater, creating dramatic and scenic waterways.
How Fjords Form
Glaciers move slowly across the land, grinding and deepening the rock beneath them. When the ice melts and sea levels rise, water floods the carved valley, leaving behind a deep, steep-sided fjord.
Examples of Fjords
Some of the world’s most famous coastlines are shaped by fjords.
- Norwegian fjords like Geirangerfjord and Sognefjord
- Milford Sound in New Zealand
- Patagonia’s glacier-carved fjords
- Alaskan fjords along the Pacific coast
Why Fjords Matter
Fjords reveal the power of glaciers and provide unique habitats for marine life. They also attract millions of visitors each year and help scientists study past climate conditions.
Key Characteristics of Fjords
- Carved by glaciers during past ice ages
- Filled with ocean water after glaciers melted
- Defined by steep cliffs and deep valleys
- Home to rich marine and coastal ecosystems
The Simple Takeaway
A fjord is a deep, glacier-carved coastal valley now filled with seawater. Its steep cliffs and narrow passages create some of the most stunning landscapes on Earth.