How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world?
How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world?
Fjords are long, narrow inlets of the sea, typically with steep cliffs on either side. They are formed by glaciers, which carve deep U-shaped valleys into the landscape. When the glaciers melt, the sea fills the valleys, creating fjords. How fjords are formed: Glacier formation: Glaciers form when snow accumulates over time and compresses into ice. Glaciers can be many kilometers thick and can move very slowly over the landscape. Glacial erosion: As glaciers move, they erode the landscape, carving out valleys. The weight of the glacier and the rocks and boulders that it carries grind down the bedrock. Glacial retreat: As the climate warms, glaciers melt and retreat. The valleys that they carved out are filled with seawater, creating fjords. Fjords are often deeper than the surrounding sea and can be very narrow. The deepest fjord in the world is the Sognefjord in Norway, which is over 1,300 meters deep . Fjords are important ecosystems and are home to a variety of marine life. They are also…