Types of Glaciers: A Complete Guide

Tap a glacier type to see its defining features.

Valley Glacier

A glacier that slowly flows down a mountain valley, a form commonly seen in ranges like the Alps and the Himalayas.

Ice Sheet

A massive ice layer large enough to cover an entire continent; the ice sheets of Antarctica and Greenland are the largest on Earth.

Ice Cap

Smaller than an ice sheet, this refers to an ice layer that domes over an entire mountain or plateau.

Tidewater Glacier

A glacier that flows all the way to the sea, with its end submerged in ocean water β€” the "calving" of chunks breaking off is often observed here.

Piedmont Glacier

A distinctively shaped glacier that flows down a narrow valley and then spreads out in a fan shape once it reaches flat ground.

Glaciers Are the Earth's Massive Water Reservoirs

A significant share of the Earth's fresh water is stored in the form of glaciers and ice sheets. As climate change accelerates their melting, rising sea levels and shrinking freshwater resources have become concerns of global importance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are a glacier and an iceberg the same thing?

No β€” a glacier is a massive body of ice flowing over land, while an iceberg is a piece that has broken off the end of a glacier and floats on the ocean.

Do glaciers actually move?

Yes β€” very slowly, but under their own weight, they flow downward at a rate of anywhere from a few centimeters to a few meters per day.