Why do fjords tend to be so deep and narrow?
Quick Answer
Fjords are deep because glaciers carved valleys below sea level, and narrow because steep-sided glacial erosion left confined troughs. Later, rising sea level flooded the valleys.
The Full Story
During ice ages, valley glaciers can erode very deeply by abrasion and plucking, often cutting below present sea level. When the ice melts, seawater floods the overdeepened valleys to form fjords. Their steep walls and great depths reflect the power of glacial erosion and the fact that the valley floor was carved far below the surrounding landscape. Norway, Greenland, Chile, and New Zealand all have famous fjord systems.
Key Facts
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"A fjord is a valley carved by ice and filled by the sea."
Was this answer helpful?
Tap a reaction — it helps us pick what to cover next.