, often called mountain or valley glaciers, are "rivers of ice" that form high in mountain ranges and flow downward through preexisting valleys. Unlike massive continental ice sheets that smother entire landscapes, alpine glaciers are confined by the surrounding mountain terrain. Key Characteristics Glossary of Glacier Terminology - Text Version - USGS.gov
, often called mountain or valley glaciers, are "rivers of ice" that form high in mountain ranges and flow downward through preexisting valleys. Unlike massive continental ice sheets that smother entire landscapes, alpine glaciers are confined by the surrounding mountain terrain. Key Characteristics Glossary of Glacier Terminology - Text Version - USGS.gov