| Term: | Outwash plain |
| Definition: |
A broad, low-slope angle alluvial plain composed of glacially eroded, sorted sediment (termed outwash), that has been transported by meltwater. The alluvial plain begins at the foot of a glacier and may extend for miles. Typically, the sediment becomes finer grained with increasing distance from the glacier terminus.
(ground view) A relatively flat spread of debris deposited by meltwater streams emanating from a glacier (cf. Sandur). Swisseduc A flat or gentle sloping surface of glaciofluvial sediments deposited by meltwater streams at the edge of a glacier. Usually found in close spatial association with moraines. PhysicalGeography GCW |