cleft in a glacier crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Welcome! If you're stuck on the clue "cleft in a glacier," you've come to the right place. We've compiled the most likely answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle. Whether you need a short or long answer, we've got you covered.

Solutions for "cleft in a glacier crossword clue" by Letter Count

8 Letters

CREVASSE: A deep open crack, especially one in a glacier, formed by the movement of ice.

7 Letters

FISSURE: A long, narrow opening or line of breakage made by cracking or splitting, applicable to ice formations.

5 Letters

CRACK: A line on the surface of something along which it has broken without coming apart; a narrow opening.

4 Letters

RIFT: A crack, split, or break in something, often used to describe a geological or icy fissure.

More About "cleft in a glacier crossword clue"

The term "cleft in a glacier" most precisely refers to a crevasse. These natural hazards are common features in glaciers and ice sheets, formed by the immense stresses and strains within the moving ice mass. As a glacier flows, often over uneven bedrock, different parts of the ice move at varying speeds. This differential movement creates tension and compression, causing the brittle ice to fracture, resulting in deep, often hidden, cracks.

Crevasses can be transverse (across the direction of flow), longitudinal (parallel to flow), or marginal (along the edges). Their depth can vary significantly, often reaching tens of meters, sometimes extending to the glacier bed. They are a significant concern for mountaineers and explorers due to the risk of falls, and they also play a role in the dynamics of glacier melt and flow.

In the context of crosswords, "CREVASSE" is a popular answer due to its specific and evocative nature, directly linking to the unique environment of a glacier. However, depending on the puzzle's complexity and the available letters, more general synonyms like "FISSURE" or "CRACK" might also be valid solutions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common answer for 'cleft in a glacier' in crosswords?

The most common and fitting answer for 'cleft in a glacier' in crossword puzzles is 'CREVASSE'. This term specifically refers to the deep cracks found in glaciers.

Are there other words for a 'cleft in a glacier'?

Yes, while 'crevasse' is the most precise, other words like 'FISSURE', 'CRACK', or 'RIFT' can sometimes be used depending on the specific word length required by the crossword puzzle, though they are more general terms.

How do glaciers form these 'clefts'?

Glaciers form crevasses due to the stresses created by their movement over uneven terrain. As the massive body of ice flows, differential movement, tension, and compression cause the brittle ice to fracture, creating these deep fissures.