Outwash plain

Alternative definitions (3), class: vernacular (0)
Term: Outwash plain
Definition: A broad, low-slope angle alluvial plain composed of glacially eroded, sorted sediment (termed outwash), that has been transported by meltwater. The alluvial plain begins at the foot of a glacier and may extend for miles. Typically, the sediment becomes finer grained with increasing distance from the glacier terminus.

(ground view) A relatively flat spread of debris deposited by meltwater streams emanating from a glacier (cf. Sandur).  Swisseduc 

A flat or gentle sloping surface of glaciofluvial sediments deposited by meltwater streams at the edge of a glacier. Usually found in close spatial association with moraines.  PhysicalGeography 

 GCW 
Created 2017.06.06
Last Modified 2022.04.08
Contributed by GCW Glossary
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