Information on Fjords

The western coast of Norway is famous for its fjords.

A fjord is of a narrow inlet of the sea with steep sides, according to Microsoft Encarta. The movement of glaciers combined with erosion can result in geological formations like fjords.

Glacial Action

Gravity causes glaciers to move downhill. As a glacier moves, it scrapes up rocks and carries them at its bottom, abrading the terrain and changing the landscape, according to ScienceClarified. Sometimes a glacier scrapes out bowl-shaped depressions called cirques, in which smaller glaciers form.

Fjord Formation

According to ScienceClarified, a cirque glacier can move downwards through a stream valley, resulting in erosion that turns a stream valley into narrow glacial trough. If the glacier carves its way to the coastline and melts, and the trough fills with seawater, a fjord results.

Location

Fjords are located in a number of countries around the world, including Alaska, British Columbia, Chile, Greenland, Norway, New Zealand and Scotland, according to ScienceClarified.

References

• Microsoft: Fjord
• Advameg, Inc.: Glacial Landforms