Drumlin

/ˈdrʌmlɪn/ noun

Definition

An elongated hill formed by glacial action, with a steep slope facing the direction from which the glacier advanced and a gentle slope on the opposite side. Composed of glacial sediment.

Etymology

From Irish 'droim' meaning 'ridge' or 'back,' with the diminutive suffix '-ín.' The term reflects how these hills resemble the curved back of a whale or sleeping animal.

Kelly Says

Boston's famous Beacon Hill and Bunker Hill are actually drumlins left behind by glaciers 15,000 years ago! You can tell which direction the ice moved by looking at which side of the hill is steeper – it always faces the direction the glacier came from.

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