Corrie is a noun that refers to a steep, bowl-shaped hollow or depression found on the side of a mountain or hill, typically formed by glacial erosion. Also known as a cirque or a cwm, corries are a common feature in alpine and glaciated landscapes. They are usually located near the head of a valley or on the slopes of mountains with constant snow accumulation.
A corrie is created when a glacier moves down a mountainside, carving and eroding the landscape through a combination of processes such as abrasion and plucking. As the glacier descends, it scoops out a hollow basin with steep, almost vertical walls. These walls can reach considerable heights and are often snow-filled or ice-rimmed, especially in colder climates.
The bottom of a corrie commonly contains a circular or semicircular lake, known as a tarn or corrie loch, which is often fed by meltwater from the surrounding snowfields or glaciers. The lake may be small or large, depending on the size of the corrie.
Corries can be imposing geographical features, renowned for their beauty, and may attract mountaineers and hikers due to their often dramatic and breathtaking vistas. They also play an essential role in hydrology by collecting and storing water, which can affect local ecosystems and provide habitats for various plants and animals.
