glaciations
Epochs of ice
Glaciations are periods when ice sheets and glaciers expand to cover large portions of Earth's surface.
The term refers both to individual ice ages and to the geological processes by which glaciers shape landscapes—carving valleys, depositing sediment, and sculpting terrain.
The Great Lakes were formed by glaciations.
Scientists study past glaciations to understand climate patterns.
Study of prehistoric climates
- Milankovitch cyclesOrbital shifts affecting climate
- ice ageEra of massive glaciation
- coolingLosing thermal energy
- albedoSurface reflection coefficient
Heinrich events · oxygen isotopes · insolation · feedback loops · permafrost
Ancient glacial geological period
- QuaternaryLast 2.6 million years
- PlioceneLate Neogene epoch
- HoloceneCurrent geological epoch
- MiocenePre-Pliocene geological epoch
Glacier-deposited debris pile
- drumlinStreamlined glacial hill
- eskerSerpentine glacial gravel deposit
- cirqueGlacier-carved mountain basin
- tillRegister drawer for money
outwash · erratic · fjord · hanging valley · arête · horn · tarn · kettle
Thick glacial landmass covering
- icecapPermanent polar covering
- firnYear-old compacting snow
- crevasseDeep glacial fissure
- seracGlacial ice pinnacle
icefall · calving · ablation · accumulation · ice core · ice dam
Study of ice masses
- stratigraphyStudy of rock layers
- geochronologyStudy of geological ages
- sedimentologyStudy of geological deposits
- radiocarbon datingDetermining age via isotope decay
paleoclimatology
Study of prehistoric climates
- Milankovitch cyclesOrbital shifts affecting climate
- ice ageEra of massive glaciation
- coolingLosing thermal energy
albedo · Heinrich events · oxygen isotopes · insolation · feedback loops · permafrost
Pleistocene
Ancient glacial geological period
- QuaternaryLast 2.6 million years
- PlioceneLate Neogene epoch
- HoloceneCurrent geological epoch
moraine
Glacier-deposited debris pile
- drumlinStreamlined glacial hill
- eskerSerpentine glacial gravel deposit
- cirqueGlacier-carved mountain basin
till · outwash · erratic · fjord · hanging valley · arête · horn · tarn · kettle · striations
ice sheet
Thick glacial landmass covering
serac · icefall · calving · ablation · accumulation · ice core · ice dam
glaciology
Study of ice masses
- stratigraphyStudy of rock layers
- geochronologyStudy of geological ages
- sedimentologyStudy of geological deposits