Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

continental glacier

noun

/ˈkɒn.tɪ.nənt.əl ˈɡleɪ.ʃər/

Definition

A large mass of ice that covers a significant area of land and typically flows outward from its center.

Examples

The Antarctic ice sheet is the largest continental glacier on Earth.
During the last Ice Age, continental glaciers advanced over much of North America.
Continental glaciers can significantly influence local climates by modifying temperatures and precipitation patterns.

Meaning

Continental glaciers are vast sheets of ice that form over land when snow accumulates over many years and compacts into ice. They can cover millions of square kilometers.