Glaciation

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Glaciation refers to the formation, movement, and retreat of glaciers. Glaciers are large masses of ice that form on land, usually in areas where the temperature is cold enough to allow snow to accumulate and remain frozen year-round. As more snow falls and accumulates, the weight of the snow compresses the lower layers, eventually forming ice.

During periods of glaciation, the Earth experiences a cooling trend that leads to the expansion of glaciers and ice sheets. Glaciers can carve out valleys and create unique landscapes, as well as alter the course of rivers and streams. When glaciers advance, they can also push soil, rocks, and other debris along their path, creating features such as moraines and drumlins.

Glaciation has occurred many times throughout Earth's history, with the most recent period of glaciation occurring during the Pleistocene Epoch, which began about 2.6 million years ago and ended around 11,700 years ago. This period saw the growth and retreat of massive ice sheets that covered much of North America, Europe, and Asia.