What is a fjord and how it is formed

A Fjord is a term that derives from the Norwegian (FJORD), universally adopted to define a geographical accident characterized by being a narrow and deep sea entrancesurrounded by mountains with steep rock slopes.

These relief formations are the result of the intense activity of glaciers over thousands of years. Glaciers, moving from the mountains to the sea, erodes the land, creating “U” -shaped valleys That, when the ice was melted and the sea level rises, they are flooded, giving rise to the fjords. This process ensures that the fjords are remarkably deep, often more than the surrounding sea, and can extend more or less rectilinear several kilometers inland.

The location currently of the fjords is associated with high latitudes In places such as: Norway, Scotland, Greenland, Iceland, Canada, Alaska, Kamchatka, Chilean Patagonia, South Island of New Zealand, Tasmania, Antarctica and Archipelagos such as the Kerguelen Islands, South Georgias, Shetland del Sur, and other minor groups.

1. Glacier movement: Fjords have places in places where climatic conditions allowed glaciers formation. With the passage of time, the glacier increases in size and begins to move slowly due to the severity and weight of accumulated ice. As the glacier progresses, the underlying terrain with incredible force is eroding what results in the formation of valleys in “U”. The terrain must have a certain slope so that the gravitational attraction allows the glacier to move.
2. Valley glacier and flooding: Thousands of years ago in many parts of the world, changes in global climate caused the increase in terrestrial average temperature, glaciation came to an end and allowed the withdrawal of glaciers. Because of the melting of large ice masses the sea level increased, allowing the flood of the deep valleys.
3. Formation of a Fjord: The final result is a fjord, a deep and narrow sea input, surrounded by steep slopes or cliffs. Fjords can have several ramifications and extend inland by tens of kilometers.
4. Development of a unique ecosystem: With the passage of time, the newly formed fjord begins to house marine and land life, developing a unique ecosystem that benefits from the rich waters fed by the nutrients of the rivers and the glacial thaw.

The world’s biggest fjord is the Scoresby Sundlocated on the east coast of Greenland, near Iceland. This impressive fjord has a length of approximately 350 kilometerswhich makes it the most extensive known fjord and one of the deepest with some 1,500 meters deep.

In it There are several islandsbeing the largest Milne Land. Near the mouth of the Fjordo there is a human settlement known as “ITTOQQORTOMIIT” which can only be reached through boat or helicopter.

Milford Fjord (New Zealand)

Located in the FIORDLAND National ParkOn South Island, Milford’s fjord is probably one of the most famous and photographed fjords in the world. Surrounded by steep cliffs and dense rainy forests, it is Stirling cascade homewhich precipitates spectacularly more than 150 meters towards the Fjord. Local fauna includes dolphins, seals and penguins, which makes it a popular destination for tourist cruises and outdoor activities such as hiking.

Geirangerfjord (Norway)

World Heritage for UNESCO, Geirangerfjord is One of the emblematic Norwegian fjordswith its greenish blue waters, waterfalls like the seven sisters and the veil of the bride, and steep mountains. Located in the Møre OG Romsdal region, this fjord is one of Norway’s most visited and offers spectacular views and activities such as boat rides, kayak and hiking.

Sognefjord Fjord (Norway)

Known as him Norway’s longest and deep fjordand the second longest in the world, the Sognefjord extends more than 200 kilometers inland from the Coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Its ramifications, such as Nærøyfjord, also a World Heritage, offer some of the most impressive landscapes in the country, with cliffs that rise to 1,300 meters above its calm waters and depths that reach up to 1,308 meters.

Saguenay Fjord (Canada)

This fjord extends along the Saguenay River in Quebec, leading to the San Lorenzo River. He is known for his impressive natural beauty and for being the home of one of the few populations of fresh water belugas. The surrounding area, protected as part of the Saguenay Fjord National Park, is popular for activities such as hiking, kayak and whale observation.

Now that you know what a fjord is and how it is formed, do not miss the highest cliffs in the world and the highest cliffs in Europe.

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