Roche moutonnée
Roche Moutonnée
A roche moutonnée is a geological formation created by the erosive action of glaciers. The term is derived from the French words "roche" meaning rock and "moutonnée" meaning fleecy or woolly, which describes the appearance of these formations. They are typically found in areas that have been subject to glaciation and are characterized by their asymmetrical shape.
Formation[edit | edit source]
Roche moutonnées are formed by the movement of glaciers over bedrock. As a glacier advances, it exerts pressure on the underlying rock, causing abrasion and plucking. The process involves two main mechanisms:
- Abrasion: This occurs on the upstream side of the rock. The glacier, laden with debris, grinds against the rock surface, smoothing and polishing it. This side is typically gentle and sloping.
- Plucking: On the downstream side, the glacier exerts a pulling force, removing chunks of rock. This side is often steeper and rougher due to the removal of material.
The result is an asymmetrical hill with a smooth, gently sloping side facing the direction from which the glacier came, and a rough, steep side facing away.
Characteristics[edit | edit source]
Roche moutonnées vary in size from a few meters to several hundred meters in length. They are often composed of resistant rock types such as granite or gneiss, which can withstand the erosive forces of glaciation. The polished surface of the stoss side may exhibit striations, which are linear grooves carved by debris embedded in the glacier.
Significance[edit | edit source]
Roche moutonnées are important indicators of past glacial activity. They provide valuable information about the direction of glacier movement and the dynamics of glacial erosion. Studying these formations helps geologists understand the history of glaciation in a region and the processes involved in landscape evolution.
Examples[edit | edit source]
Notable examples of roche moutonnées can be found in many glaciated regions around the world, including:
- The Lake District in England
- The Scottish Highlands
- The Sierra Nevada in California
- The Canadian Shield
Also see[edit | edit source]
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