005 - Carved by Ice
How does ice shape the land?
Photo Credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/123411618@N07/30320701500/">gaujourfrancoise</a> Flickr via <a href="http://compfight.com">Compfight</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">cc</a>
Activity One - Explain
This fantastic landscape was not just formed by the movement of water but also by the movement of ice. The last ice age ended in Yosemite approximately one million years ago. That glacial period is called the Sherwin and it produced the largest and longest valley glaciers. Watch the youtube clip below to find out about the tremendous power a glacier has to shape landscapes. When you have watched the clip answer the questions below.
- What is a glacier?
- Read the article below by National Geographic and write down three facts about glaciers that most interest you.
- How did ice shape the landscape in Yosemite?
- What glacial landforms can you see in the image below?
- What do you think will happen to these landforms in 100 years?
- Draw a diagram and explain how the following landforms are created. Remember to label your diagram and to use subheadings for each feature.
- Pyramid Peak
- Glacial Trough
Image One - Taken from Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park
Taken by Ellena Mart
Image Two - Clouds Rest in Yosemite National Park
Activity Two - Management
Yosemite National Park is an amazing area of the world but it needs to be managed if it is going to be protected for future generations to also enjoy. Answer the questions below which explore why areas of natural beauty need to be managed.
- Why is Yosemite National Park a wonderful place to visit?
- What problems do humans cause to the National Park?
- How could the damage be managed?
- What do you think Yosemite National Park will be like in 100 years?