fjörður

A fjörður, also spelled fjord, is a long, narrow inlet with steep sides or cliffs, created by the action of a glacier during the last ice age. The term is derived from the Old Norse word "fjörðr," which means "arm of the sea." Fjörðurs are typically found in areas with a history of glaciation, such as Norway, Iceland, Greenland, and parts of Canada and Alaska.

The formation of a fjörður begins when a glacier carves out a deep, U-shaped valley. As the glacier retreats, the valley is filled with seawater, creating a deep, narrow inlet. The steep sides of the fjörður are often characterized by vertical cliffs, which can be up to several hundred meters high. These cliffs are typically composed of sedimentary or metamorphic rocks that were deposited or altered during the ice age.

Fjörðurs are known for their dramatic landscapes and are popular destinations for tourism and outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and fishing. They also play a significant role in the local economy, providing opportunities for fishing, aquaculture, and transportation. However, fjörðurs are also vulnerable to environmental changes, such as rising sea levels and increased storm activity, which can impact their ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.