FIORDS Meaning and
Definition
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A fjord, also known as a fiord, is a narrow and elongated body of water that is surrounded by steep cliffs or mountains. It typically forms when a glacier carves out a U-shaped valley during the ice age. As the glacier retreats, the sea level rises and fills the valley with seawater, creating a long, deep, and narrow inlet.
Fiords are characterized by their distinctive features. They often have very steep sides and can range from several hundred meters to a kilometer in depth. The depth and steepness is a result of the glacial erosion and subsequent marine submergence. The walls of the fiord can be almost vertical, towering above the water, adding to the majestic scenic beauty of the area.
The water in a fiord is usually cold and the presence of fresh water and salt water creates a unique ecosystem. Freshwater runoff from rivers often forms a layer above the denser seawater, resulting in distinct layers of water with different salinities and temperatures. This layered water creates favorable conditions for various marine species that inhabit the fiords.
Fiords are found in various parts of the world, including Scandinavia, particularly in Norway, as well as in New Zealand, Canada, Chile, and Alaska, among other regions. They are popular tourist destinations due to their exceptional beauty and dramatic landscapes, attracting visitors from around the globe.
Overall, fiords are natural marvels formed by the interplay of geological forces, glaciers, and water, and they provide a unique habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Etymology of FIORDS
The word "fiord" or "fjord" is of Norwegian origin. It comes from the Old Norse word "fjǫrðr", which means "inlet" or "estuary". The term was adopted into English in the 17th century to describe narrow, deep inlets of the sea between high cliffs or hills, formed by glacial erosion. It is worth noting that both spellings, "fiord" and "fjord", are used interchangeably, with "fjord" being more common in English-speaking countries.
Similar spelling words for FIORDS
- forks,
- folds,
- words,
- fiord,
- feuds,
- finds,
- fires,
- firedog,
- Forms,
- Floods,
- fits,
- affords,
- feeds,
- FORDS,
- ford.
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