A deep crevasse or gap that forms where a glacier meets the bedrock at the top of a mountain, created by the glacier's downward movement.
From German 'Berg' (mountain) and 'Schund' (crevasse or chasm). The term was adopted by English-speaking mountaineers and glaciologists in the 19th century to describe this specific alpine feature that poses serious dangers during climbing.
Bergschrunds are mountaineer killers—they're hidden by snow bridges early in the season but become deadly traps as summer melts arrive, and many climbers have fallen into them while attempting to summit high peaks.
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