fiord

A fiord (plural fiords), alternately spelled fjord, is a long, narrow coastal inlet with steep sides or cliffs, formed by glacial erosion and filled with seawater. The term is used widely in English, with fiord common in some place names and older or regional spellings, while fjord is the more prevalent modern spelling.

Formation and characteristics: Fiords are created when glaciers carve U-shaped valleys during repeated advances and retreats. As the glaciers retreat, rising sea levels flood the valleys, producing a drowned inlet connected to the sea. A shallow sill at the mouth often restricts water exchange, producing distinct salinity and temperature gradients from the mouth to the head. Deep waters may persist far inland, and freshwater input from rivers can influence conditions near the upper reaches.

Geographic distribution: Prominent fiords occur along coastlines shaped by past glaciation, including western Norway, Iceland, Greenland, parts of Canada (notably British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador), southern Chile, and New Zealand’s Fiordland. They are typically found in regions with rugged topography and long, glaciated valleys.

Ecology and human use: Fiord ecosystems host a range of marine life adapted to cool, stable conditions, including fish, invertebrates, and seabirds. The sheltered waters support fishing, shipping, and tourism. Many fiords serve as scenic destinations for cruises, hiking, and wildlife viewing, contributing to regional economies while requiring conservation to protect fragile shorelines and aquatic habitats.

Naming and nomenclature: The spelling fiord reflects historical usage in English and appears in several geographic names, such as Fiordland. The alternate spelling fjord is now common in general English usage, but both terms refer to the same geomorphological feature. The word derives from Norse roots for sea-inlet valleys.