Cirritufts

Cirritufts are small, glacial landforms that form when a stream or river flows across a glacier. They are characterized by a small, rounded "tuff" or hill of debris, often surrounded by a moat or depression. The debris is composed of rocks and soil that have been ground and polished by the glacier, giving the cirrituft a distinctive, rounded shape.

Cirritufts are formed as the glacier melts and the debris is deposited as the meltwater flows across the surface. This process can occur at the margin of the glacier, where the ice is thin and the meltwater is able to escape, carrying the debris with it.

Cirritufts are relatively small, typically a few meters in height and diameter. They are often found in mountainous regions where glaciers are present, particularly in cold climates such as Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavia. In these areas, cirritufts are an important feature of the landscape, providing information about the former presence and extent of glaciers.

Cirritufts can be difficult to distinguish from other types of glacial landforms, such as moraines or drumlins. However, their characteristic rounded shape and moat-like depression make them a distinctive feature of glacial landscapes. They are an important part of the geological record, and can provide valuable insights into the history and evolution of the landscape.