Crevasse is a word that is often misspelled as "crevice". However, the correct spelling is with two "s" letters. The phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈkrɛvəs/ which helps to understand why there might be confusion between "crevasse" and "crevice". The "a" sound in "crevasse" is pronounced as /ə/ while the "i" sound in "crevice" is pronounced /ɪ/. Therefore, it's important to pay attention to detail when spelling and pronouncing these two words to avoid confusion.
A crevasse is a noun that refers to a deep, narrow crack or fissure that forms in the surface of a glacier, ice sheet, or snowfield. These fractures occur due to the movement and pressure of the ice, which can cause sections of the surface to separate and create a crevasse. Crevasse formation is typically prevalent in areas where the ice is subjected to stress from uneven terrain or variations in the surface gradient.
Crevasses can vary in size and shape, but they are generally long and often have jagged edges. They can extend several meters deep and may be a few centimeters to several meters wide. The depths and widths of crevasses can fluctuate over time as the ice shifts and moves.
Crevasse navigation is crucial for mountaineers, climbers, and hikers as falling into a crevasse can lead to serious injury or even death. Specialized techniques and equipment, such as ropes, harnesses, and crampons, are employed to safely traverse crevassed areas. In addition, experienced guides and skilled adventurers rely on their knowledge and awareness of crevasse patterns to minimize the risk of accidents.
Overall, crevasses represent a prominent feature of glaciers and ice formations, providing a visual reminder of the dynamic nature of these icy landscapes and the forces that shape them.
A deep crevice-usually applied to rents in glaciers.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "crevasse" comes from the French term "crevace" which means "crack" or "cleft". The French word itself was derived from the Old French word "crever" meaning "to burst" or "to break" and carries the sense of a fissure or fracture in the ground or in ice. It entered English usage in the early 19th century in the context of describing a deep crack or fissure in a glacier or snowfield.