Glacier, bedrock and meltwater

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Glacier, bedrock and meltwater

Glacier, bedrock and meltwater. Glaciers are rivers of ice that form when compacted snow from high ground turns into ice and flows downhill under its own weight. The weight of the ice as it moves forward erodes the underlying bedrock, and creates ground up rock under and around the glacier. This debris (such as the brown smears at left) is known as moraine. The underside of a glacier is also where some of the melting occurs, and here a meltwater waterfall (lower centre) is seen emerging from under the glacier. This is the Conwaybreen Glacier in Svalbard, an Arctic archipelago governed by Norway

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Media ID 6322257

© DR JUERG ALEAN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Arctic Calving Cliff Coast Cold Earth Science Flowing Frozen Geological Glacier Glaciology Ice Berg Melting Physical Geography Polar Rock Svalbard Water Fall

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the mesmerizing beauty and power of nature's icy giants. The image showcases a stunning view of the Conwaybreen Glacier in Svalbard, an Arctic archipelago governed by Norway. Glaciers, like this one, are formed when compacted snow from high ground transforms into ice and flows downhill under its own weight. As the glacier moves forward, it exerts immense pressure on the underlying bedrock, resulting in erosion and creating a mixture of ground-up rock known as moraine. This debris can be seen as brown smears at the left side of the photograph. However, it is not just erosion that takes place beneath these frozen rivers; melting also occurs underneath their massive bodies. In this picture, we witness a breathtaking sight - a meltwater waterfall emerging from under the glacier's underside. The crystal-clear water cascades down with sheer force and grace towards lower center stage. It serves as a reminder of both the delicate balance between freezing temperatures and thawing forces within these icy landscapes. The combination of glacial blue hues contrasting against rugged cliffs and pristine waters creates an awe-inspiring scene that exemplifies Earth's raw natural beauty. This print truly encapsulates not only physical geography but also our planet's ever-changing climate dynamics.

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