Topographic Terms – Where Is a Bergschrund Found? A “bergschrund” (also spelled bergschrund) is a distinct topographical feature associated with which kind of terrain?

Introduction / Context:
Surveyors and engineers often interpret landforms from maps and field reconnaissance. Recognizing glacial features is important in mountainous route location, hydrology, and hazard assessment. The term “bergschrund” is specific to glacier morphology and signals particular ground conditions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Feature name: bergschrund.
• Context: alpine or polar glaciation.
• Map evidence can include contours, shading, or symbols near glacier heads.

Concept / Approach:

A bergschrund is a large, often semicircular crevasse that forms where a moving glacier or cirque glacier pulls away from the headwall, separating active ice from stagnant or firn ice above. It commonly marks the upper boundary of ice movement and can be deep and hazardous. Therefore, it is unequivocally a feature of glaciated regions, not plains, ordinary hills, water bodies, or dune fields.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Glaciology references and mountaineering guides consistently define a bergschrund as a crevasse at the upper limit of glacier flow.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Plains, non-glaciated hills, water bodies, and deserts do not create the characteristic crevasse formed by differential ice movement against a headwall.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing bergschrund with crevasses anywhere on a glacier; a bergschrund specifically occurs near the head where the glacier pulls away from the bounding rock.

Final Answer:

Glaciated region