Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term - Senior Secondary 2

Glacier action

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TERM – 1ST TERM

WEEK THREE

Class: Senior Secondary School 2

Age: 16 years

Duration: 40 minutes of 5 periods each

Date:

Subject: Geography

Topic: GLACIER ACTION

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to

  1. Describe the characteristics of glacial landform and lowland areas.
  2. Explain with examples the models of formation of these landform features
  3. Examine the economic importance of glacial landform features to man

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers,

demonstration, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Videos, loud speaker, textbook, pictures

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES

PERIOD 1-2

PRESENTATION

TEACHER’S ACTIVITY

STUDENT’S

ACTIVITY

STEP 1

INTRODUCTION

The teacher describes Glacial action and identify the characteristics of Glacial landforms.

Students in groups, describe the characteristics of glacial landform features in highland and lowland areas.

STEP 2

EXPLANATION

Teacher discusses the modes of formation of Glacial landform features.

 Students in pairs explain with examples the modes of formation of these landform features.

STEP 3

DEMONSTRATIO

N

Teacher discusses the economic importance of Glacial landform to man

 

Students as a whole, examine the economic importance of glacial landform features to man

STEP 4

NOTE TAKING

The teacher writes a summarized note on the board

 

The students

copy the note in

their books

 

NOTE

GLACIAL ACTION

Glacier action refers to the geological processes and effects resulting from the movement and activity of glaciers. Glaciers are large masses of ice that move under their own weight, shaping the landscape through various erosional and depositional actions.

Terms associated with glacier action

Several terms are associated with glacier action:

  1. Moraine: Moraines are accumulations of glacial debris, including rocks, gravel, and sediment, deposited by a glacier. Terminal moraines form at the glacier's furthest advance, while lateral moraines run along its sides.
  2. Cirque: A cirque is a bowl-shaped depression at the head of a glacial valley, typically formed by glacial erosion. It's often the starting point for the formation of a glacier.
  3. Arête: An arête is a sharp, narrow ridge formed by glacial erosion on both sides of adjacent glaciers. It results from the removal of rock along the sides of the glaciers.
  4. Horn: A horn is a pointed mountain peak formed by the intersection of multiple arêtes. The Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps is a famous example.
  5. Esker: An esker is a long, winding ridge of sediment deposited by meltwater streams flowing beneath or within a glacier. Eskers are typically composed of sand and gravel.
  6. Kettle: A kettle is a depression or hole in the ground formed by the melting of a block of ice left behind by a retreating glacier. Kettles are often filled with water, creating kettle lakes.

Characteristics of Glacial Landforms

  1. U-shaped Valleys: Glaciers carve out valleys, resulting in distinctive U-shaped profiles, with steep, straight sides and a flat or gently sloping floor.
  2. Cirques: Amphitheater-like depressions formed at the head of a glacier due to erosion.
  3. Horns: Pyramid-shaped peaks formed by the intersection of several arêtes.
  4. Moraines: Accumulations of unconsolidated glacial debris, including till and rocks, deposited along the sides or at the terminus of a glacier.
  5. Drumlins: Elongated, teardrop-shaped hills formed by glacial action, with the tapered end pointing in the direction of ice flow.
  6. Erratics: Large boulders transported and deposited by glaciers in areas where the rock type differs from the surrounding landscape.
  7. Eskers: Long, winding ridges of sediment deposited by meltwater streams flowing beneath or within glaciers.

Mode of formation of landform features

  1. River Valleys: Fluvial erosion and deposition shape river valleys. Erosion occurs as water flows, wearing down the landscape, and deposition occurs when sediment is transported and settles. An example is the Grand Canyon in the United States was formed by the erosive action of the Colorado River over millions of years.
  2. Mountains: Mountains are typically formed through tectonic processes, including uplift, folding, faulting, and volcanic activity. An example is the Himalayas were formed as the Indian subcontinent collided with the Eurasian plate, leading to the uplift of this massive mountain range.
  3. Glacial Valleys: Glacial valleys are carved by the movement of glaciers, which erode and shape the landscape through processes like plucking and abrasion.

An example is Yosemite Valley in California was sculpted by glaciers during the last Ice Age, resulting in its distinctive U-shaped profile..

  1. Desert Landforms (Sand Dunes, Plateaus): Desert landforms are shaped by wind and water erosion, often characterized by the accumulation of sand in dunes and the formation of plateaus. An example is the Sahara Desert features vast sand dunes, and the Colorado Plateau in the United States is a desert region with unique plateau formations.
  2. Coastal Landforms (Sea Stacks, Beaches): Coastal landforms are shaped by processes such as erosion, deposition, and the action of waves and currents along coastlines. An example is the giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland showcases unique hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic and coastal processes.
  3. Alluvial Plains: Alluvial plains are formed by the deposition of sediments carried by rivers, often resulting in fertile and flat landscapes. An example is Indo-Gangetic Plain in South Asia is a vast alluvial plain formed by the deposition of sediment from the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and other rivers..

The Economic importance of glacial landform features to humans

The economic importance of glacial landform features to humans is multifaceted, encompassing various aspects such as tourism, agriculture, and natural resources:

  1. Tourism and Recreation: Glacial landscapes, with their stunning U-shaped valleys, cirques, and dramatic peaks, attract tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. Destinations like the Alps, Rocky Mountains, and Himalayas generate significant revenue from tourism activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountaineering.
  2. Hydropower Generation: Glacial regions often have abundant meltwater, providing a valuable source for hydropower generation. Dams and hydroelectric power stations built in glacial areas contribute to energy production, fostering economic development.
  3. Water Resources: Glacial meltwater serves as a vital water source for irrigation in agricultural regions downstream. This water supply supports crop cultivation and sustains livelihoods, contributing to food security.
  4. Mineral Resources: Glacial erosion can expose valuable mineral deposits, leading to economic opportunities in mining. Regions with glacial influence may have deposits of minerals like gold, silver, and other metals.
  5. Agriculture and Soil Fertility: Glacial till, the mixture of rocks and sediments left behind by glaciers, contributes to fertile soils. Agricultural activities benefit from the nutrient-rich soil in areas influenced by glacial processes, supporting crop yields and economic productivity.
  6. Infrastructure Development: Glacial regions may benefit from infrastructure development, including roads, transportation networks, and accommodations, to support tourism and economic activities.

EVALUATION: 1. Define Glacial action.

  1. Mention t characteristics of Glacial landforms
  2. Identify 5 economic importance of Glacial landforms to Man.

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher commends the students positively