What defines a moraine?

A moraine is defined specifically as a ridge of sediment that has been deposited by a glacier, typically forming at its edges or terminus. The movement of a glacier carries and pushes debris along with it, and as the glacier retreats, this debris is left behind, creating a distinct hill or ridge. This process results in the formation of moraines that are often oriented perpendicular to the glacier's flow direction, reflecting the path the glacier has taken and the material it has collected and deposited.

Understanding moraines is essential in studying glacial geology and the landscape features resulting from glacial activity, which include various types of moraines, such as terminal moraines (at the glacier's furthest advance) and lateral moraines (along the sides). These features are key indicators of past glacial movements and play a significant role in shaping the surrounding landscape.