QUES . How are the fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world? UPSC 2023 GS MAINS PAPER I, 150 words, 10 Marks
HINTS:
A fjord is a long, deep, narrow body of water that reaches far inland. Fjords are often set in a U-shaped valley with steep walls of rock on either side.
Fjords are found mainly in Norway, Chile, New Zealand, Canada, Greenland, and the U.S. state of Alaska. Sognefjorden, a fjord in Norway, is more than 160 kilometers long.
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How are the fjords formed?
Glacial erosion and Valley formation
Fjords were created by glaciers. In the Earth’s last ice age, glaciers covered just about everything. Glaciers move very slowly over time, and can greatly alter the landscape once they have moved through an area. This process is called glaciation. Glaciation carves deep valleys. This is why fjords can be thousands of meters deep. Fjords are usually deepest farther inland, where the glacial force was strongest.
As the climate warmed and the glaciers began to retreat, the valleys carved by glacial erosion were often left below sea level. These valleys became submerged as the sea level rose. The saltwater intrusion further carved and deepened the valleys, resulting in the formation of deep and narrow fjords.
Fjords constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world
Fjords stand as some of the most picturesque and captivating areas on our planet. Their beauty and significance can be judged from the fact that UNESCO has included the Norwegian fjord landscape, exemplified by places like Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, on its prestigious World Heritage List.
There are any number of opportunities for the visitors for hiking, kayaking, glacier walks, and many other activities.
Many fjords also house coral reefs and rocky islands called skerries. Some of the largest coral reefs are found at the bottom of fjords in Norway. They are home to several types of fish, plankton and sea anemones.
A skerry is a small, rocky island created through glaciation. Most of the Scandinavian coastline is cut into thousands of little blocks of land. These jagged bits of coastline are skerries.
In some fjords small streams plunge hundreds of feet over the edge of the fjord; some of the world’s highest waterfalls are of this type. Fjords commonly have winding channels and occasional sharp corners.
Steep cliffs or towering mountains often rise abruptly from the water’s edge. This stark contrast between the vertical rock faces and the calm, reflective waters creates a visually striking and awe-inspiring scene.
The changing seasons in the fjords make every time of the year a different experience. The landscape opens up during summers, waterfalls thunder with snowmelt, the land turns green, fruit blossoms paint the orchards.
During the winters the crispness of the air, the contrasting colors, the drama of changing weather and daylight heighten the senses and make the fjords even more spectacular.
Many communities and settlements are situated along their shores, offering visitors insights into local cultures and traditions.
