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Lesson 2 of 12
Lesson 2 of 12
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Glacier formation
I can explain what glaciers are, how they form and why they move.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Glaciers are large slow-moving rivers of ice.
- The frozen parts of our planet are collectively known as the cryosphere.
- Glaciers are made up of snow and ice that has been compressed over many years.
- Glaciers begin to move under the force of gravity.
Keywords
Cryosphere - the frozen parts of our planet
Glacier - a huge accumulation of ice and snow that moves slowly over land down slope under the force of gravity
Gravity - the force by which a planet, or other large body, draws objects to its centre
Common misconception
Glaciers are made of salt water
Glaciers are made of fresh water from snow and rain
Use a GIS and use the term 'glacier' in the search to investigate parts of the world that are frozen.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.During which period were winters especially harsh and some rivers in Europe froze?
During which period were winters especially harsh and some rivers in Europe froze?
Current Warming Period
Medieval Warm Period
Industrial Revolution
Q2.What is one reason why global cooling can occur?
What is one reason why global cooling can occur?
more sunlight reaching Earth
an increase in the burning of fossil fuels
more sunlight reaching Earth
an increase in greenhouse gases
Q3.What is a key effect of global warming on oceans?
What is a key effect of global warming on oceans?
oceans becoming colder
more ice forming in the Arctic
a decrease in storm activity
Q4.How did the ice sheets affect the land in the UK?
How did the ice sheets affect the land in the UK?
They built mountains out of rock.
They melted without changing the landscape.
They made the soil sandy and dry.
Q5.What happened when the climate began to warm 19 000 years ago?
What happened when the climate began to warm 19 000 years ago?
The ice sheets grew larger.
Sea levels dropped.
Q6.What happened to animal and plant life after the Ice Age?
What happened to animal and plant life after the Ice Age?
It completely disappeared from the UK.
New species couldn’t grow because the land was too dry.
Assessment exit quiz
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4 Questions
Q1.What percentage of Earth's land area is currently covered by glaciers?
What percentage of Earth's land area is currently covered by glaciers?
75%
50%
25%
Q2.Where is the Mer de Glace located?
Where is the Mer de Glace located?
the Andes Mountains
the Rocky Mountains
the Himalayas
Q3.How long can it take for snow to turn into glacier ice?
How long can it take for snow to turn into glacier ice?
a few days
one winter season
Q4.What role does meltwater play in glacier movement?
What role does meltwater play in glacier movement?
It creates cracks that break the glacier apart.
It evaporates, leaving the glacier dry.