Glacial Erosion Processes and Landforms

Glacial erosion is among the most powerful geomorphological processes on Earth. Glaciers reshape landscapes on a grand scale, carving deep valleys, steep-sided peaks, and dramatic mountain scenery. The landforms produced by glacial erosion dominate upland areas of the UK, the Alps, Scandinavia, and many other regions. Understanding the processes of erosion and the landforms they create is central to A-Level Geography.

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Processes of Glacial Erosion

1. Plucking (Quarrying)

Plucking occurs when meltwater at the base of a glacier seeps into joints and cracks in the bedrock, refreezes, and bonds to the overlying ice. As the glacier moves forward, it pulls (plucks) blocks of rock away from the bedrock surface.

• Most effective where the bedrock is well-jointed or fractured
• Produces a rough, jagged surface on the downstream (lee) side of bedrock obstacles
• Creates the characteristic steep, rough lee slope of roches moutonnées
• Requires the glacier to be at or near the pressure melting point at its base (temperate glaciers)

2. Abrasion