How are fjords formed? Why do they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world?

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  “इंडोनेशियाई और फिलीपीनी द्वीपसमूहों में हजारों द्वीपों के निर्माण की व्याख्या कीजिए।”

A fjord (फियोर्ड) is a long, narrow valley with steep sides (खड़ी ढाल) filled with seawater. A fjord is also characterized by the fact that it is deep in the middle and inner parts with a shallower mountain threshold (उथली पहाड़ी सीमा) at the outer end. It is formed when a glacier retreats, after carving its typical U-shaped valley (U आकार की घाटी), and the sea fills the resulting valley floor (परिणामी घाटी तल).

Fjords are most common along the coasts of Norway, Greenland, Alaska, British Columbia, Chile, Antarctica, and New Zealand.

Formation (गठन):

• Fjords are formed where the lower end of a very deep glacial trough (हिमनदीय धरोहर) is filled with seawater.
• They are formed when a glacier cuts a U-shaped valley by ice segregation.
• The glacier then leaves an overdeepened U-shaped valley that ends abruptly at a valley or trough end. Such valleys are fjords when flooded by the ocean.

Reasons they constitute some of the most picturesque areas of the world:

1. Formation (गठन): They are formed because of glacial activities. The sheer scale and grandeur of the geological formation create a dramatic and awe-inspiring landscape.
2. Features (विशेषताएँ): Some features of fjords include coral reefs and rocky islands called skerries, thus making them attractive.
3. Biodiversity (जैव विविधता): They are typically rich in marine life as they provide a sheltered environment.
4. Geology (भूविज्ञान): The fjords typically exhibit certain characteristics, including steep sides. Abundant rainfall in these regions leads to the creation of attractive waterfalls.
5. Geography (भूगोल): Fjords are formed in areas that experience seasonal variations. These changes offer lush green mountains in summers and snow-covered peaks during winters, creating photogenic landscapes.
6. Recreational Activities (मनोरंजक गतिविधियाँ): Because of high biodiversity and crystal-clear waters, fjords are areas of leisure and recreation.

Conclusion

Fjord formation is a dynamic and complex process that takes place over thousands of years and is influenced by factors such as glacial dynamics, sea level changes, and geological conditions. They are an interplay of geological, ecological, and atmospheric factors that create stunning and picturesque landscapes. Such landscapes need to be conserved.

The Norwegian Parliament has adopted a resolution to stop emissions from all water traffic in the west Norwegian fjords by 2026. More such steps in the direction of their conservation are required.