Quck answer
A fjord is a narrow and deep inlet of the sea that is surrounded by steep cliffs or hills. It is typically formed by glacial erosion, where a glacier carves out a U-shaped valley, and when the glacier retreats, the sea fills the valley, creating a fjord. Fjords are commonly found in Norway, Iceland, New Zealand, and other areas with a history of glaciation. They are known for their stunning beauty and are popular tourist destinations. Fjords provide habitats for unique plant and animal species, and they also play a role in regulating the climate.
The subject of today’s Wonder of the Day is what? We’ll give you a hint: It’s created by glaciers. Okay, here’s another: It’s common in Norway. Still wondering what we’re referring to? It’s the fjord, obviously!
But what exactly is a fjord (pronounced “fee-ord”)? It’s a narrow waterway that is long and is surrounded by steep cliffs on both sides. Fjords were formed many years ago by glaciers carving out valleys.
When the Earth was covered by glaciers, they would often cut U-shaped valleys out of the bedrock in certain areas. Then, as the glaciers melted, these areas became filled with seawater, creating the long and narrow waterways known as fjords.
Due to the deep cutting action of glaciers, most fjords are deeper than the nearby seas. For instance, Sognefjord, a fjord in Norway, plunges more than 4,000 feet below sea level.
As glaciers formed fjords, they would often leave behind deposits, creating a rise at the mouth of the fjord. This rise can cause some fjords to have strong currents or even saltwater rapids.
Another dangerous feature found near certain fjords is the presence of numerous small rocky islands. These areas are called skerries and can be hazardous for ships to navigate.
Because fjords were formed by glaciers, they are typically found in mountainous areas near large bodies of water. Norway, for example, is renowned for its fjords. Fjords can also be found along the west coast of Europe, Alaska, Canada, Greenland, New Zealand, and Chile.
Recently, scientists have discovered coral reefs at the bottom of many fjords in Norway. The formation of these coral reefs is still unknown. However, researchers believe that the marine life present in these areas might explain why the Norwegian coastline is an excellent fishing location.
Have you ever seen a fjord in person? Would you like to? Two of the most extreme fjords in the world can be found in Greenland and Antarctica. Scoresby Sund in Greenland is the longest fjord in the world, measuring 217 miles in length. Skelton Inlet in Antarctica is the deepest fjord in the world, plunging 6,342 feet deep!
Try It Out
Continue learning with the help of an adult and the activities below!
- Are you interested in expanding your knowledge about glaciers? Join us on the journey of a single snowflake as it descends and becomes part of the Life Cycle of a Glacier! Afterwards, create a video that can educate others on the formation of glaciers. Begin by writing a script and gathering or capturing photographs that will assist in your explanation. Then, film your video and share it with your friends and family. You can even ask an adult to help you promote your project on social media—don’t forget to tag us @wonderopolis!
- Take a look at these captivating photographs of fjords. Which one would you love to visit in person someday? Share your thoughts with a friend or family member.
- Ready for a hands-on experience? Give this NASA experiment a try to gain a deeper understanding of the effects of glacial melting. Make sure you have an adult to assist you and review the supply list before you begin. After completing the experiment, write a brief paragraph about what you learned.
Wonder Sources
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fjord (accessed 10 Dec. 2020)
- https://www.fjords.com/what-is-a-fjord/ (accessed 10 Dec. 2020)
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