Geocentric Science

Glaciers are large masses of ice that flow downwards due to gravity. Glaciers are an important agent of erosion and have played a key role in shaping the Earth’s surface. Although, we only find glaciers at high elevations and in polar regions today, glaciers covered New York State until about 10,000 years ago (the end of the last Ice Age). Glaciers are responsible for the formation of the Great Lakes, the Hudson River Valley, along many other features.

Glaciers modify the landscape as they transport huge amounts of sediment and drag the debris over the Earth’s surface. As the glacier moves downwards, it carries, pushes, and drags sediments ranging in size. This abrades (smooths) the surface.

1. What are indicators that a glacier was present?

   Answer:

   A. Striations

   B. Glacial Polish

   C. Dumlins

   D. U-Shaped Valleys

   E. Unsorted sediment

   F. Moraines

   G. Glacial erratics

   H. Cirques, Aretes, and Horn peaks