Key learning points

1. Glaciers create wide U-shaped valleys through the process of erosion.
2. Truncated spurs are formed when a glacier cuts off interlocking spurs.
3. Corries are bowl-shaped hollows found on the side of hills and mountains.
4. Aretes are sharp peaks formed by two glaciers wearing down either side of a mountain.

Keywords

• Corrie - a steep-sided hollow at the head of a valley or on a mountainside

• Truncated spur - a ridge that ends in a steep cliff face where an interlocking spur formed by rivers has been cut off by a glacier

• Arete - a narrow ridge of rock between two valleys

• U-shaped valley - a valley with steep, straight sides and a flat bottom, formed by the movement and scouring action of a glacier

Common misconception