corrie

Corrie is a term used primarily in geology to describe a bowl-shaped hollow formed by glacial erosion at the head of a valley. Also known as a cirque, a corrie typically has a steep back wall and one or more steep sidewalls that enclose a fairly level floor. In many corries a small lake, or tarn, may occupy the floor after the glacier retreats. The formation begins when winter snow accumulates and compacts into ice, and the glacier erodes the bedrock through plucking and abrasion as it flows downslope. Corries are a key feature of glaciated landscapes and are commonly found in high mountain regions and polar areas, where they contribute to the classic combination of cirques, U-shaped valleys, and moraines.

Etymology and usage: The term corrie derives from Scottish Gaelic coire, meaning cauldron or kettle, which describes the hollow’s shape. In English-language geology, the word is used alongside cirque to describe the same landform. Corrie appears in place names and academic literature, particularly in reference to Scots or alpine terrain. It can also function as a given name or surname in various cultures, reflecting its broader adoption beyond scientific description.

In summary, a corrie is a glacially carved amphitheater-like hollow at a valley head, often featuring a tarn and bounded by steep walls, and it holds an important place in the study of mountainous and glaciated landscapes.