fiordes

Fiordes are long, narrow inlets of the sea bordered by steep cliffs, produced by glacial carving during the ice ages and subsequent flooding by seawater. In languages where the word for fjord is fiorde, the plural is fiordes; in English, the standard plural is fjords. The physical form is typically U-shaped, with a flat valley floor flooded by tidewater, though some arms extend inland and connect to freshwater rivers.

Formation and features: Glaciers scoured the bed, creating a U-shaped valley; as glaciers retreated, sea level rose, allowing seawater to fill the valley. The rugged walls may host cascades and hanging valleys, and many fiordes contain deep basins that trap freshwater in their upper arms. Tidal exchange often creates brackish water at the mouth and supports diverse marine life.

Geography and ecology: Fiordes occur on coastlines with a history of glaciation, notably in Norway and New Zealand, and also in Chile and Greenland. The sheltered waters provide habitats for seals, fish, and crustaceans, while the surrounding rims host temperate to subpolar vegetation. The combination of deep water and narrow entrances can yield strong tidal currents and unique microhabitats.

Human use and conservation: Many fiordes are popular for tourism, boating, and cruises, and several are protected as national parks or part of World Heritage areas. Natural hazards include landslides and rockfalls from cliff faces, which can affect access and settlement in some regions.

Notable examples: Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord in Norway; Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound in New Zealand; parts of Chile’s southern fjord region.