Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 08/13/2013 - 08:39
Forums
Drumlin Formation in Iceland

Hi,

My name is Destini and I am from St. Mark Catholic/Pope John Paul II School. My questions for you are how is Drumlin formed? Is Drumlin only found in cold climates?

Tue, 08/13/2013 - 13:29

Jamie Esler

Hi Destini,To answer your first question: drumlins are some of the most researched
glacial landforms in the glacial geology community, yet, their formation
remains a great debate and mystery amongst scientists. There are a few
competing hypotheses for their formation, each of which focuses on how
the till (glacial sediment) has come into the shape of a drumlin, and
what forces within the glacier have caused the till to move into this shape.
The answer to this question remains unknown, and is the main reason this
research team is dedicating so much of their time and energy to studying
the young and fresh drumlins here at Mulajokull. Hopefully, as a result
of the work of the team here this summer and in the coming years, we
will finally know whether drumlins are a result of till being deposited
and pushed into these shapes or if they are a result of till being
pushed away and leaving these shapes behind.
For your second question: drumlins are found in places where glaciers
currently exist, or, have existed in the past. Ancient drumlins are
found all over the northern hemisphere in places like Wisconsin, New
York, Washington, and Iceland. New radar data from research teams in
Antarctica shows that drumlins may even be forming at the very bottom of
the Antarctic ice sheet! Pretty neat, huh? So, drumlins are found all
over the place, in places where glaciers currently exist or have existed
in the past.
Thanks for posting these great questions Destini! Where is your school
located?
Take Care!
Jamie