esker
1
9.9
A long winding ridge of gravel that glaciers make when ice melts
- noun
- /ˈɛskər/
- Specialized
:
esker
- The hikers followed the winding path along the esker, marveling at its unique shape.
Examples
-
The geologist explained that an esker is formed from the sediment left behind by melting glaciers.
-
Punkaharju Esker Nature
Blog text (31) -
Then ice sheets and eskers...
Fiction book (1993) -
As they explored the valley, they discovered an esker covered with lush vegetation and wildflowers.
Surface Forms
Etymology
Esker comes from the Irish word eiscir, which means 'ridge'. It names a long, winding gravel ridge left by water from melting glaciers, so an esker is literally a 'ridge' of sand and stones.