Outwash plain Irish example: The Curragh, Co. Kildare
Description: A large area covered with meltwater deposits.
Formation: Meltwater flowing from glaciers and ice sheets deposits its load in front of the ice. In some cases, meltwater flowing through the terminal moraine removes material which is then deposited beyond the moraine to form an outwash plain (Fig. 10.22). The heavier gravel is transported the shortest distance, while lighter clays and sands are carried longer distances before they are deposited. Outwash deposits can be up to 50 m thick and extend over a wide area.
Ice sheet Terminal moraine
Outwash plain
Fig.10.22(a) The formation of an outwash plain.
Fig.10.22(b) An outwash plain, Alaska, USA.
CHECK YOUR LEARNING C
1. What is fluvioglaciation? 2. Name and give an example of one erosional feature formed by fluvioglaciation.
3. Identify three depositional features formed by fluvioglaciation.
4. Match the landform to the correct letter on the diagram. Landform
U-shaped valley Pyramidal peak Hanging valley
Letter
Landform Cirques Tarn
Letter
Landform Arête
Pater noster lake B
5. Match the landform to the correct letter on the diagram.
