Module Objectives

At the conclusion of this module, the student will be able to

describe the formation of a glacier
explain why glaciers advance and retreat, and how their flow modifies the landscape.
describe the processes in which glaciers erode the landscape
explain the formation of icebergs
identify the variety of landforms associated with valley glaciers and ice sheets and explain their formation
describe evidence showing that glaciers covered large areas of continents during the Pleistocene Ice Age, and that there have been four or five earlier ice ages during Earth history.
explain how Milankovitch cycles create ice ages
identify the causes of ice ages (sunspots, Milankovitch cycles, etc….)
describe how glaciers have shaped the North American continent
describe the Mystery of the Channeled Scablands and how it relates to periods of glaciation

Reading Assignment

Earth Science Text (OER) - Glaciers- Glacial Erosion and Deposition

You are advised to read the assigned chapters twice; first, so that you get a general sense for the kinds of questions and perspectives that interest earth scientists, and second so that you absorb the factual information contained in the chapters. Also, you should take notes when reading the lessons throughout this course. Doing so will enhance the chances that you will commit key concepts to memory and will give you a set of notes to review when preparing for assignments and exams.