Glacier

Real World Example

Glaciers played a crucial role in shaping the geography of the Western Hemisphere by carving out valleys, forming lakes, and influencing river systems. During the Ice Ages, these massive slow-moving ice sheets covered large parts of North America, affecting the climate and environment, which in turn influenced the migration and settlement patterns of ancient peoples. To those people, glaciers represented both a challenge and a resource, as they provided fresh water and unique landscapes but also made travel and habitation difficult. Today, glaciers continue to be important as they are indicators of climate change; their melting affects sea levels and water sources globally. For instance, communities in the Andes rely on glacial meltwater for drinking and farming, highlighting the ongoing significance of glaciers in providing essential resources.