transection glacier

Also known as: transection ice field

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

The term "transection glacier" refers to a type of mountain glacier that fills systems of valleys. These glaciers are part of a broader classification of mountain glaciers, which are perennial ice masses not necessarily associated with ice sheets like those in Antarctica or Greenland.1

Mountain glaciers are typically confined to a path that directs their movement. The shape of this path and how much the glacier fills it determines its type. Transection glaciers are distinct from valley glaciers, which are longer than they are wide and flow down a valley, and cirque glaciers, which are short, wide, and confined to mountain amphitheatres. It can be challenging to draw clear distinctions between different glacier types due to the varied mountain landscapes where they form.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

glacier
Classification of mountain glaciers
Other types include transection glaciers or ice fields, which fill systems of valleys, and glaciers in special situations, such as summit glaciers, hanging glaciers, ice aprons, crater glaciers, and regenerated or reconstituted glaciers. Glaciers that spread out at the foot of mountain ranges are called piedmont glaciers. Outlet…
Read More
Other types include transection glaciers or ice fields, which fill systems of valleys, and glaciers in special situations, such as summit glaciers, hanging glaciers, ice aprons, crater glaciers, and regenerated or reconstituted glaciers. Glaciers that spread out at the foot of mountain ranges are called piedmont glaciers. Outlet…
Read More