col
Quick Summary
A col is a narrow opening or saddle between two hills or mountains that serves as a passage. These features are often found in glaciated mountain ranges and are a result of glacial erosion.123
Glaciers carve out distinctive landforms. In the upper reaches of glaciated valleys, amphitheatre-shaped hollows called cirques are formed. When glaciers retreat, these cirques may contain lakes known as tarns. Glaciers also widen and deepen existing stream valleys, transforming them into characteristic U-shaped valleys. Between adjacent glaciated valleys, glaciers can erode the divides into sharp, knife-edge ridges called arĂȘtes. The lowest point on an arĂȘte, often between two cirques, is also referred to as a col. A prominent peak with multiple cirques carved into its sides is known as a horn.3
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arĂȘteâŠa low, smooth gap, or col. An arĂȘte may culminate in a high triangular peak or horn (such as the Matterhorn) formed by three or more glaciers eroding toward each other.
Read MoreâŠa low, smooth gap, or col. An arĂȘte may culminate in a high triangular peak or horn (such as the Matterhorn) formed by three or more glaciers eroding toward each other.
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glacial landformCirques, tarns, U-shaped valleys, arĂȘtes, and hornsâŠtwo cirques is called a col. A higher mountain often has three or more cirques arranged in a radial pattern on its flanks. Headward erosion of these cirques finally leaves only a sharp peak flanked by nearly vertical headwall cliffs, which are separated by arĂȘtes. Such glacially eroded mountains areâŠ
Read MoreâŠtwo cirques is called a col. A higher mountain often has three or more cirques arranged in a radial pattern on its flanks. Headward erosion of these cirques finally leaves only a sharp peak flanked by nearly vertical headwall cliffs, which are separated by arĂȘtes. Such glacially eroded mountains areâŠ
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