END MORAINE Meaning and
Definition
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An end moraine refers to a geological landform created by glacial deposition at the terminus, or end, of a glacier. It occurs when a glacier begins to melt and retreat, leaving behind a ridge of unsorted and unstratified material that it carried along during its movement. Typically found in U-shaped valleys or mountainous regions, an end moraine can vary in size and shape depending on the size and strength of the glacier.
Composed of a mixture of gravel, sand, rocks, and boulders, an end moraine is characterized by its irregular and hilly appearance. Its composition represents a combination of materials that are often sourced from different locations, reflecting the glacier's capacity to transport and deposit debris as it moves. The end moraine can act as a natural dam, blocking water and creating a glacial lake or tarn in front of it.
The formation of an end moraine signifies the end point of a glacier's advance. As the glacier retreats, it deposits the debris it once carried along, resulting in a distinct ridge or mound-like feature. This landform provides valuable evidence for scientists studying glacier movements and can help reconstruct the history and movement patterns of past glaciations. In addition, end moraines can also influence local topography, impacting erosion and sedimentary processes within the glacial environment.
Common Misspellings for END MORAINE
- wnd moraine
- snd moraine
- dnd moraine
- rnd moraine
- 4nd moraine
- 3nd moraine
- ebd moraine
- emd moraine
- ejd moraine
- ehd moraine
- ens moraine
- enx moraine
- enc moraine
- enf moraine
- enr moraine
- ene moraine
- end noraine
- end koraine
- end joraine
- end miraine
Etymology of END MORAINE
The word "end moraine" is a compound term originating in the field of geology and glaciology. The term "moraine" itself can be traced back to French, specifically from the word "morain", meaning "mound of earth and stones brought and deposited by a glacier". The French word is believed to have derived from the Middle French "morene" or "morné", which meant "mound" or "heap".The word "end" refers to the location of the moraine. An end moraine is a type of moraine formed at the terminus or end of a glacier. Glacial debris, such as rocks, boulders, and sediment, get pushed along and deposited at the edge of the glacier as it advances. Over time, these deposits create a ridge or ridge-like formation, known as an end moraine, which marks the furthest extent of the glacier's advancement.
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