FJORD

They are commonly found in glaciated regions and have a specific formation process:

1. Glacial Origins: Fjords are primarily formed through glacial activity. During ice ages or periods of glaciation, glaciers advance and move down valleys, carving out U-shaped troughs or valleys as they flow. These glaciers are typically large and powerful, and they erode the underlying rock and soil as they move.

2. Glacial Erosion: As glaciers advance, they gouge out these valleys by the sheer force of their movement and the abrasion caused by rocks and debris carried within the ice. The glaciers can reach depths of hundreds of meters.

3. Glacial Retreat: When the climate begins to warm or other factors cause the glaciers to recede, they start to melt and retreat back up the valleys they carved. As the glacier melts, it leaves behind a deep, narrow, and steep-sided inlet filled with seawater.

4. Formation of Fjords: These inlets formed by glacial activity are what we now refer to as fjords. Fjords typically have very deep water, sometimes reaching depths of several hundred meters, and their steep sides often extend above the waterline, creating dramatic landscapes.

5. Unique Features: Fjords are known for their striking beauty and are often surrounded by rugged cliffs or mountains. They can also have waterfalls cascading down the cliffs into the fjord, which adds to their scenic appeal. Fjords are often navigable by ships and boats, making them important natural waterways.

Fjords are often considered some of the most picturesque natural landscapes in the world for several reasons:

1. Dramatic Geological Features: Fjords are characterized by their steep, towering cliffs or mountains that rise abruptly from the water's edge. These striking geological features create a breathtaking visual contrast between the vertical rock faces and the deep, calm waters of the fjord.

2. Crystal-Clear Waters: Fjords typically have crystal-clear, blue-green waters that can be incredibly inviting and mesmerizing. The clarity of the water allows you to see deep into the fjord, revealing the underwater world and adding to the overall beauty of the landscape

3. Biodiversity: Fjords are often teeming with biodiversity. They provide important habitats for various marine species, and you can often spot wildlife such as seals, seabirds, and sometimes even whales in and around fjords. The presence of diverse life forms adds to the charm of these landscapes
4. Waterfalls: Many fjords are adorned with cascading waterfalls that tumble down from the cliffs above into the fjord's waters. These waterfalls create a dynamic and picturesque element, adding movement and sound to the scene

 

 

Previous Year Questions   1. How are fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque of the world (UPSC CSE Mains GS1 2023)

 

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