transverse crevasse
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A transverse crevasse is a fissure or crack in a glacier that forms due to tensile stress. These crevasses typically open across a glacier where the slope of its floor abruptly steepens. They are generally curved downstream and can range in width up to 20 meters (65 feet) and depth up to 45 meters (148 feet). Transverse crevasses are one of several types of crevasses found in glaciers, including longitudinal, marginal, and bergschrund crevasses. These fissures can be bridged by snow, making them hidden dangers, and may eventually close as the glacier moves over gentler gradients.12
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crevasse…in areas of compressive stress; transverse crevasses, which develop in areas of tensile stress and are generally curved downstream; marginal crevasses, which develop when the central area of the glacier moves considerably faster than the outer edges; and bergschrund crevasses, which form between the cirque and glacier head. At the…
Read More…in areas of compressive stress; transverse crevasses, which develop in areas of tensile stress and are generally curved downstream; marginal crevasses, which develop when the central area of the glacier moves considerably faster than the outer edges; and bergschrund crevasses, which form between the cirque and glacier head. At the…
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glacierSurface featuresTransverse crevasses, perpendicular to the flow direction along the centre line of valley glaciers, are caused by extending flow. Splaying crevasses, parallel to the flow in midchannel, are caused by a transverse expansion of the flow. The drag of the valley walls produces marginal crevasses,…
Read MoreTransverse crevasses, perpendicular to the flow direction along the centre line of valley glaciers, are caused by extending flow. Splaying crevasses, parallel to the flow in midchannel, are caused by a transverse expansion of the flow. The drag of the valley walls produces marginal crevasses,…
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