One type of geological formation found around the world is the fjord . These U-shaped landforms can be found in various locations, such as Alaska, the coasts of Iceland, and Chile. Their formation is due to several geological processes related to glacial erosion . To learn more about how glaciers have shaped these landforms, you can read about glacial valleys.
In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about fjords, their characteristics, and importance.
what are fjords
Fjords are valleys carved by glacial erosion, which are subsequently invaded and flooded by seawater. As a result, fjords are found on the coasts of some areas beyond 40 degrees latitude in the Southern Hemisphere and 50 degrees latitude in the Northern Hemisphere. To better understand these geographical features, you can consult information about fjords.
Fjords are formed by tongues of ice that have shaped the landscape because water at sub-zero temperatures has created enormous cracks in the rocks. This geographical feature is often very deep, even deeper than the seawater that submerged it: 1.300 meters.
Regarding the etymology, the word fjord comes from the word “fjord” (fjǫrðr), a Scandinavian word that means “you can go further around the place”, because for the Vikings these estuaries connected the ocean with their towns and allowed them to navigate until they find new lands.
How are fjords formed?
Formed billions of years ago, the fjord survived several ice ages, and since then, tongues of ice have shaped the landscape as we know it today. Fjords form where glaciers carve canyons below sea level and then retreat, expelling deposited sediment that often obscures the fjord's true depth. At that time, the fjord formed when sea levels were much lower than they are today. When the glacier melted, seawater rose more than 100 meters, causing the U-shaped glacial valley to flood.
Therefore, in the fjords where the Scoresby Sund River flows into the sea, it is impossible to find marine animals where the surface salinity is lower , while the shallower areas are home to species such as pelagic fish. This phenomenon is similar to what is found in the Norwegian Sea.
In some cases, the fjords do not have salt water. This is because the accumulation of sediment deposited by the ice tongue has successfully blocked the path to seawater.
What is the largest fjord in the world?
Now that you know what fjords are and how they form, it's time to look at some examples that will help you understand this type of geographical feature. When we talk about fjords, you might immediately think of Norway. In fact, its west coast is home to more than 1.000 fjords . It is here, in this Scandinavian country, that we can find Norway's longest fjord and the second largest in the world, the Sognefjord.
Located in the province of Sognefjord, this fjord is 204 kilometers long and 1300 meters below sea level. And don't forget the 800-meter peak, whose majestic views will leave you breathless. Furthermore, Sognefjord has an arm, the Nærøyfjord, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.
The longest fjord in the world is Scoresbysson Fjord in Greenland, which is 354 kilometers long and more than 1.500 meters deep. In addition to being the largest fjord in the world, it is characterized by its numerous islands, as well as human settlements in the form of small villages.
This is the case of the almost anonymous Ittoqqortoormiit, a town at the mouth of a fjord with a few colorful houses that make it look really beautiful. Although the town has been dedicated to the hunting of whales and other marine animals, it currently supports itself thanks to tourism, although access is sometimes difficult.
In terms of depth, the world's deepest fjord is located in Antarctica. Sheldon Bay is the name of the fjord in the region, which lies 1933 meters below sea level.
While we've only mentioned a few fjords, there are many in both the northern and southern hemispheres. So you can find them in Norway, Chile, Greenland, Scotland, New Zealand, Newfoundland, British Columbia, Alaska, Iceland and Russia.
Key features
The main characteristics of the fjord are the following:
- They are very deep and have exposed bedrock.
- They are located in areas covered by glaciers.
- They have a narrow algae that can measure several kilometers.
- Its mouth has a series of arms called branches.
- They have areas of steep slopes and canyons between the sea and the mountain peaks.
- Its landscape is very charming, which makes it a focus of tourism.
- They are shaped like a bay surrounded by steep mountains.
- Some can be more than 350 kilometers long and 1.500 meters deep.
- The water level at the opening is usually lower than the rest of the fjord.
Main fjords on all continents
Europe
- norwegian fjords: They are a great tourist attraction in the region and can be defined as glaciers in the mountains.
- Oslo Fjord: Located in the Skagerrak Strait in southeastern Norway. It is about 150 kilometers long and stretches from the Torbjornskjaer lighthouse to the Faerder lighthouse, north to Oslo and south to Langesund.
- Sognefjord or Sognefjord: It is the longest fjord in the country and the second largest in the world. Its bottom reaches 1308 meters below sea level, near the mouth of the river, the depth smoothes out, and then the bottom suddenly rises to 100 meters below sea level.
- Lysejford Fjord: It is located in Forsand, Norway and is derived from granite rocks visible on both sides. It was born from the glaciation during the Ice Age.
United States
- College Fjord: Located in the northern part of Prince William Sound, Alaska, USA. It contains 5 tidewater glaciers, 5 Grand Canyon glaciers, and dozens of small glaciers. It was discovered during the Harriman expedition in 1899.
- Nassau Sound: a four-mile-long inlet in Alaska, home to the famous Chenega Tidal Glacier. Due to the large amount of glacial activity in this fjord, it is a popular destination for many kayakers and boaters.
- Quintupeu Fjord: It is located in the Los Lagos region of southern Chile. Colonies of sea lions and southern birds typical of Patagonia are common in the area, highlighting the importance of biodiversity in these environments.
- From Gros Morne: Located on the west coast of Newfoundland, Canada. In 1987, the Mogao Caves were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Asia
- from oman: It is located in the Strait of Hormuz and has many wonderful places, full of mountainous landscapes that are formed when the fjord meets the sea.
I hope this information helps you learn more about fjords and their characteristics.