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Geography • Physical GeographyMedium

What is an esker in glacial geomorphology?

A. A ridge of stratified sand and gravel deposited by meltwater streams flowing in channels within or under a glacier✓ Correct Answer
B. An isolated boulder deposited by a melting glacier far from its source rock origin
C. A sharp, knife-edge ridge formed between two adjacent glacial valleys
D. A bowl-shaped amphitheater depression eroded out by the head of a glacier

💡 Solution & Explanation

An esker is a long, sinuous ridge composed of stratified sand and gravel deposited by glacial meltwater streams flowing inside ice tunnels beneath stationary or retreating glaciers. Other landforms like glacial erratics refer to isolated boulders, whereas arêtes describe sharp mountain ridges formed between adjacent cirques. These fluvioglacial depositional features are distinct from erosional landforms like hanging valleys and glacial troughs.

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