Paragraph on “Glaciers” complete paragraph for Class 9, Class 10, Class 11 and Class 12

Glaciers

In shaded valleys of snow capped mountains we can see vast rivers of  ice, these are called ‘Glaciers’. Most glaciers we see today actually date back to the last Ice age on the Earth. On occasions snow falls quicker than it can melt, thus accumulating large quantities. The upper layers of snow exert a downward pressure which compacts the lower layers and forms ice, this creates glaciers. Glaciers gradually move down hill because additional snow piled up at the top exerts a pressure which causes them to gradually shift down the valley under their own weight, with the centre moving faster than the sides and on occasions creating huge crevasses. As glaciers move, they carry with them rocks and stones called ‘Moraine’, these are deposited down hill and lakes are often formed behind these deposits which act like natural dams.