thefjord

A fjord is a long, narrow inlet with steep sides or cliffs, created by glacial erosion. Fjords are characterized by their deep, U-shaped valleys, often extending far inland from the coastline. The depth of a fjord can be considerable, sometimes exceeding the depth of the adjacent sea. At their seaward end, fjords typically have a shallower sill, which is a ridge of bedrock or glacial debris. This sill can influence tidal currents and the exchange of water masses within the fjord.

The formation of fjords is a process that occurs over geological timescales. During ice ages, massive glaciers carved out valleys as they moved towards the sea, shaping the underlying bedrock. As the glaciers retreated, the sea level rose, flooding these glacially carved valleys and creating the fjords we see today. The steep sides are a direct result of the immense erosive power of the ice.

Fjords are found in various parts of the world, most notably in Norway, Greenland, Iceland, Alaska, Canada, Chile, and New Zealand. These regions were heavily glaciated during past ice ages. Fjords are significant features of these coastlines, influencing local climate, biodiversity, and human settlement. Many fjords support unique ecosystems adapted to their sheltered conditions and varying salinity. Tourism is a major industry in many fjord regions, with visitors drawn to their dramatic scenery and recreational opportunities.