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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I know what the Mer de Glace is and how it is changing.

      Key learning points

      1. The Mer de Glace is the largest glacier in France.
      2. The Mer de Glace is a tourist attraction.
      3. Climate change has had an impact on the Mer de Glace.

      Keywords

      • Glacier - a huge accumulation of ice and snow that moves slowly over land

      • Tourist attraction - a place of interest for visitors

      • Climate change - long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns

      Common misconception

      Tourism at the Mer de Glace only has negative impacts.

      Tourism at the Mer de Glace has both positive and negative impacts. Positive impacts include boosts to the local economy and an awareness of climate change.

      Teacher tip

      Use Google Earth to explore the Mer de Glace and look at the features.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      A __________ is a huge accumulation of ice and snow that moves slowly over land.

      Correct answer: glacier
      river
      sand dune

      Q2.
      What conditions are needed for a glacier to form?

      Heavy rainfall and warm weather
      High temperatures and strong winds
      Correct answer: Cold temperatures and snowfall over a long period

      Q3.
      Where can glaciers be found?

      Deserts
      Correct answer: High mountains and polar regions
      Polar regions only
      Tropical rainforests

      Q4.
      How does climate change affect glaciers?

      Glaciers become more solid
      Glaciers grow larger
      Correct answer: Glaciers shrink and melt

      Q5.
      What happens when glaciers melt?

      More snow is produced
      Correct answer: Sea levels rise
      The landscape stays the same

      Q6.
      Why are glaciers popular tourist attractions?

      They are located near cities
      Correct answer: They offer stunning natural beauty and unique landscapes
      They provide warm weather
      They are easy to climb

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Where is the Mer de Glace located?

      The Himalayas
      Correct answer: The French Alps
      The Rocky Mountains

      Q2.
      Why is the Mer de Glace a popular tourist attraction?

      Correct answer: It is the largest glacier in France
      It has warm weather all year
      People can swim in the glacier

      Q3.
      How long is the Mer de Glace?

      3 km
      5 km
      Correct answer: 7.5 km

      Q4.
      How is climate change affecting tourism at the Mer de Glace?

      More people are visiting every year
      The glacier is growing larger
      Correct answer: The glacier is shrinking, making access more difficult
      Tourism is not affected

      To help you plan your 9 geography lesson on: The Mer De Glace, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...