The processes of erosion and deposition for rivers are very different from those of glaciers.
Direct comparisons between the two can help to explain their respective landforms and deposits.
Glaciers are
- big
- deep
- heavy
- cold
- rigid (though able to flow)
- able to fill the whole valley
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Rivers are
- narrower
- shallower
- lighter
- warmer
- liquid
- confined to a channel
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Franz Josef Glacier
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The Andes
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Was the valley in this example formed
- just by river erosion;
- just by glacial erosion;
- by both river and glacial erosion:
- river erosion, then glacial erosion, then river erosion;
- glacial erosion, then river erosion, then glacial erosion?
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Geopix Study Topic "Rivers and Glaciers" (See below)
- gives pairs of images to illustrate the differences between the action of
rivers and glaciers.
For example, the images below show the rivers from some of the pairs;
what differences will you expect to see in the corresponding 'glacier' images?
- describes the differences between the features;
- explains the different origins for these examples;
- suggests how to answer exam questions on this topic.
The Rivers and Glaciers Study Topic contains the following pages:
'Rivers and Glaciers' is part of the Glaciation Guide CD.
To order this CD go to the Geopix Online Store
