What are Glacial Striations?

November 17, 2022 Off By Zak Morris

Glacial striations are scratches or gouges that are found on rocks. They are caused by the movement of glaciers across the land. The marks can be seen in many different places, including on mountains, valley walls, and even on the floors of some caves.

The striations usually run in a parallel pattern and they can be quite deep. In some cases, they may even reach a depth of several meters. The marks are typically around 10 centimeters wide.

While the cause of glacial striations is understood, their exact age is often difficult to determine. In many cases, the marks have been covered by other sedimentary layers over time. This makes it difficult to use radiometric dating techniques to determine an accurate age.