Understanding What a Glacier Is
A glacier is a massive, slow-moving body of ice that forms from compacted snow. Over time, layers of snow build up, harden, and begin to flow like a frozen river.
How Glaciers Form
Glaciers form in cold regions where more snow falls each year than melts. As snow piles up, pressure turns it into dense, solid ice that slowly begins to move.
Types of Glaciers
Valley glaciers flow down mountains like rivers of ice.
Continental glaciers are huge ice sheets that cover large areas, like those in Antarctica and Greenland.
How Glaciers Move
Glaciers move under their own weight. The ice flows slowly downhill or outward, carrying rocks and sediment with it, even if we can’t see the motion by eye.
How Glaciers Shape the Land
As glaciers move, they carve valleys, form lakes, and grind down mountains. Many landscapes today were shaped by glaciers during past ice ages.
Why Glaciers Matter
Glaciers store most of Earth’s fresh water, influence sea levels, and help regulate the planet’s climate. They also provide clues about past environmental changes.
The Simple Takeaway
A glacier is a giant mass of moving ice that forms from compacted snow. It reshapes landscapes, stores fresh water, and plays an important role in Earth’s climate.