How Do Glaciers Shape the Land?

Glaciers shape the landform by the process of erosion. Majorly the erosion of the glaciers follows two different processes i.e. abrasion and plucking. Let’s discuss.

The two processes of abrasion and plucking have a major role in helping glaciers shape the land.

• Abrasion: As a glacier moves, rocks and debris frozen within the basal ice act like sandpaper, grinding down the underlying bedrock. When the glacier flows downwards, it drags the rock, sediments, and debris with its ice and grinds them into small pieces.
• Plucking: Meltwater can seep into cracks in the bedrock beneath a glacier. When this water refreezes, it expands and widens the cracks. Over time, these cracks can become large enough for the glacier to pry loose and transport the fractured rock fragments.

Weathering also plays a role. Freeze-thaw cycles can further weaken the bedrock, making it more susceptible to erosion by abrasion and plucking.

Relevant Links:

• Types of Landforms| Class 11 Geography Notes
• Depositional Landforms (Running water)
• Glacial Landforms
• Evolution of Landforms