UPSC Exam  >  UPSC Videos  >  Geology Optional for UPSC  >  Glacial Landforms: Glacial Processes

Glacial Landforms: Glacial Processes Video Lecture | Geology Optional for UPSC

FAQs on Glacial Landforms: Glacial Processes Video Lecture - Geology Optional for UPSC

1. What are the main types of glacial landforms created by glacial processes?
Ans. The main types of glacial landforms include cirques, aretes, horns, moraines, and drumlins. Cirques are bowl-shaped depressions formed at the head of a glacier, while aretes are sharp ridges that form between two glaciers. Horns are pyramid-like peaks that emerge when several glaciers erode a mountain from multiple sides. Moraines are accumulations of debris left behind by glaciers, and drumlins are elongated hills formed beneath glaciers, indicating the direction of glacial movement.
2. How do glaciers erode the landscape?
Ans. Glaciers erode the landscape primarily through two processes: abrasion and plucking. Abrasion occurs as the glacier moves, scraping and grinding the underlying rock with the debris it carries. Plucking involves the glacier freezing onto rocks and then pulling them away as it advances. These processes lead to significant changes in the topography, creating various landforms associated with glacial activity.
3. What is the difference between a terminal moraine and a lateral moraine?
Ans. A terminal moraine is a ridge of debris deposited at the furthest advance of a glacier, marking its maximum extent. In contrast, a lateral moraine is a ridge of debris found along the sides of a glacier. Both types of moraines indicate past glacial movements but differ in their location relative to the glacier.
4. How do glacial features influence ecosystems and human activities?
Ans. Glacial features such as lakes and valleys significantly influence local ecosystems by creating habitats for various plant and animal species. They also affect human activities by providing water resources, influencing agriculture, and offering opportunities for tourism and recreation. The unique landscapes formed by glaciers can attract visitors for activities like hiking and skiing, contributing to the local economy.
5. What role do glaciers play in shaping climate and sea levels?
Ans. Glaciers play a crucial role in shaping climate by reflecting sunlight and influencing temperatures in their regions. They also store vast amounts of freshwater, and their melting contributes to rising sea levels. Changes in glacial mass can indicate climate change, as the retreat or advance of glaciers reflects shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns, impacting global sea levels and weather systems.
Related Searches

Glacial Landforms: Glacial Processes Video Lecture | Geology Optional for UPSC

,

MCQs

,

Objective type Questions

,

Extra Questions

,

Viva Questions

,

study material

,

Glacial Landforms: Glacial Processes Video Lecture | Geology Optional for UPSC

,

practice quizzes

,

shortcuts and tricks

,

ppt

,

pdf

,

past year papers

,

Semester Notes

,

Important questions

,

Free

,

Sample Paper

,

mock tests for examination

,

video lectures

,

Glacial Landforms: Glacial Processes Video Lecture | Geology Optional for UPSC

,

Exam

,

Summary

,

Previous Year Questions with Solutions

;