Esker (Geoform Type)

Component: Geoform

Unique Identifier: 144

Geoform Origin	Geologic
Geoform	Ridge
Geoform Type	Esker

Description

Definition

A long, narrow, sinuous, steep-sided ridge composed of irregularly stratified sand and gravel that was deposited as the bed of a stream flowing in a subglacial ice tunnel (within or below the ice) or between ice walls on top of the ice of a wasting glacier. Eskers remain behind as high ground when the glacier melts. Eskers range in length from less than a kilometer to more than 160 kilometers, and the height range is 3 - 30 meters.