glacier
Meaning: A large, slow-moving mass of ice formed from compacted snow that flows under its own weight, typically found in polar regions and high mountain areas.
Glaciers have shaped many of the world's most dramatic landscapes, carving valleys, lakes, and fjords. They currently cover about ten per cent of the Earth's land surface and contain roughly seventy per cent of the world's fresh water. Glacial retreat is one of the most visible indicators of climate change, with many glaciers shrinking significantly over recent decades. The adjective 'glacial' can mean extremely slow (figuratively) or ice-cold.
Examples
- The glacier has retreated more than a kilometre in the past fifty years due to rising global temperatures. 由于全球气温上升,过去五十年间该冰川已后退了一公里以上。El glaciar ha retrocedido más de un kilómetro en los últimos cincuenta años debido al aumento de las temperaturas globales.その氷河は地球の気温上昇により、過去50年間で1キロメートル以上後退しています。이 빙하는 지구 기온 상승으로 인해 지난 50년간 1킬로미터 이상 후퇴했습니다.
- During the last ice age, glaciers covered much of northern Europe, sculpting the landscape we see today. 在上一个冰河时代,冰川覆盖了北欧的大部分地区,塑造了我们今天所见的地形。Durante la última glaciación, los glaciares cubrían gran parte del norte de Europa, esculpiendo el paisaje que vemos hoy.最終氷期には氷河が北ヨーロッパの大部分を覆い、今日私たちが見る景観を彫り出しました。마지막 빙하기에는 빙하가 북유럽의 대부분을 뒤덮었으며, 오늘날 우리가 보는 지형을 깎아냈습니다.
- The hikers crossed the glacier carefully, using ropes and ice axes to navigate the crevasses. 徒步者们小心翼翼地穿越冰川,用绳索和冰镐在冰隙中行进。Los excursionistas cruzaron el glaciar con cautela, usando cuerdas y piolets para sortear las grietas.ハイカーたちはロープとアイスアックスを使ってクレバスを避けながら、慎重に氷河を横断しました。등산객들은 로프와 아이스 액스를 사용하여 크레바스를 피하면서 신중하게 빙하를 횡단했습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, media
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From French glacier (moving mass of ice), from glace (ice), from Vulgar Latin glacia, from Latin glacies (ice). Entered English in the mid-18th century through Alpine travel writing.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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