Drift (geology)

Drift (geology)

In geology, drift is the name for all material of glacial origin found anywhere on land or at sea [1], including sediment and large rocks (glacial erratic). Glacial origin refers to erosion, transportation and deposition by glaciers.

In the UK the term 'drift' is commonly used to describe any deposits of Quaternary age.

The Driftless Area refers to an unglaciated portion of North America devoid of the glacial drift of surrounding regions.

  1. ^ Press, F., and R. Siever, 1986, Earth, 4th ed., W.H.Freeman and Company, NY, p. 248

Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужна курсовая?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Drift — may mean: Contents 1 Film and literature 2 Geography 3 Industry …   Wikipedia

  • Drift — Drift, n. [From {drive}; akin to LG. & D. drift a driving, Icel. drift snowdrift, Dan. drift, impulse, drove, herd, pasture, common, G. trift pasturage, drove. See {Drive}.] 1. A driving; a violent movement. [1913 Webster] The dragon drew him… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Drift of the forest — Drift Drift, n. [From {drive}; akin to LG. & D. drift a driving, Icel. drift snowdrift, Dan. drift, impulse, drove, herd, pasture, common, G. trift pasturage, drove. See {Drive}.] 1. A driving; a violent movement. [1913 Webster] The dragon drew… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Geology of Great Britain — The Geology of Great Britain is hugely varied and complex, and gives rise to the wide variety of landscapes found across the islands. This varied geology has also meant that the island has been an important source for the formation of many… …   Wikipedia

  • Geology of England — The Geology of England is mainly sedimentary. The youngest rocks are in the south east around London, progressing in age in a north westerly direction. [ [http://www.soton.ac.uk/ imw/Geology Britain.htm Southampton University] retrieved 21/1/07]… …   Wikipedia

  • drift´ing|ly — drift «drihft», verb, noun. –v.t. 1. to carry along by currents of water or air: »The current was drifting our boat onto the rocks. 2. to heap up; pile up: »The wind is so strong it s drifting the snow. 3. to enlarge or shape (a hole) with a… …   Useful english dictionary

  • drift´less|ness — drift|less «DRIHFT lihs», adjective. 1. having no drift, direction, or purpose; aimless. 2. Geology. free from drift. –drift´less|ness, noun …   Useful english dictionary

  • drift|less — «DRIHFT lihs», adjective. 1. having no drift, direction, or purpose; aimless. 2. Geology. free from drift. –drift´less|ness, noun …   Useful english dictionary

  • drift — ► VERB 1) be carried slowly by a current of air or water. 2) walk or move slowly or casually. 3) (of snow, leaves, etc.) be blown into heaps by the wind. ► NOUN 1) a continuous slow movement from one place to another. 2) the general intention or… …   English terms dictionary

  • drift|less area — «DRIHFT lihs», Geology. an area, including parts of the present states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois, which was presumably not covered by ice during the glacial epoch …   Useful english dictionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”