Geography • Physical GeographyHard
What is the primary process responsible for the formation of a cirque in a glaciated mountain landscape?
A. Fluvial erosion by sub-glacial streams
B. Nivation and headward erosion by freeze-thaw and ice action✓ Correct Answer
C. Wind deflation in arid periglacial zones
D. Tectonic faulting and subsidence
💡 Solution & Explanation
Cirques are steep, bowl-shaped glacial amphitheaters carved out near mountain tops through a combination of nivation, frost wedging, and the rotational sliding movement of glacial ice. Fluvial streams or wind deflation play minor roles compared to freeze-thaw weathering which shatters bedrock at the head of the glacier. The merging of multiple cirques eventually creates sharp mountain ridges known as arêtes.
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