Cirquegletsjers

Cirquegletsjers are alpine glaciers that occupy cirques, bowl-shaped hollows carved into mountain slopes by long-term glacial erosion. The term combines cirque, a geomorphological term describing the bowl-like basin, with gletsjer, the Dutch word for glacier, and is used to describe ice bodies constrained by headwalls on multiple sides. Cirquegletsjers are typically smaller than valley glaciers and have limited horizontal transport, with ice confined within the basin of the cirque.

Formation and morphology: Accumulation zones gather snowfall in sheltered, shaded parts of the cirque. Over time, snow compresses into névé and then ice. The ice thickens until it overcomes the accumulation margin, forming a creeping glacier that slowly expands or retreats depending on the balance between accumulation and ablation. Characteristic features include a scalloped or arcuate lower margin and a bergschrund at the headwall, with moraines marking the ice's former extent.

Distribution and significance: Cirquegletsjers occur in many mountain systems worldwide, including the European Alps, the Rocky and Cordillera ranges, the Andes, and parts of the Himalayas and Central Asia. They are among the most climate-sensitive glacier types, often retreating rapidly in warming years, though unusually wet periods can lead to temporary growth. Their meltwater supports headwater streams and contributes to downstream ecosystems and water resources.

Monitoring and study: Researchers use field measurements, aerial photography, LiDAR, and satellite imagery to track changes in area, length, and volume. Cirquegletsjers serve as indicators of regional climate variability and are studied to understand alpine hydrology and glacial geomorphology.