What Is a Glacier Ridge?

Glaciers form different types of crests or ridges during their lifetimes. These glacial formations are caused by natural influences like erosion, gravity, weather, and the melting of ice, according to Science Clarified. Glacial ridges include aretes, eskers and moraines.

  1. Arete

    • An arete refers to a jagged ridge formed between 2 adjacent semi-circular glacial bodies that are forming bowl-shaped depressions in the surface underneath. An arete has a characteristic saw-toothed appearance.

    Esker

    • An esker is a ridge formed by a stream flowing beneath a glacier near its base. The ridge, made up mostly of sand and gravel, follows a winding route along the route of the stream, according to Missouri State University.

    Moraine

    • A moraine or ridge that contours the shape of the glacial base is formed by sediment accumulating there as the glacier moves. A terminal moraine forms where the glacier is moving forward, indicating the point of maximum advance. A lateral moraine forms along the side.

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