Slow moving mass of ice (7) Crossword Clue
Answer: GLACIER (7 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Slow moving mass of ice" with 7 letters is "GLACIER".Glacier is a large, slow-moving mass of ice formed from compacted snow, typically found in polar regions or high mountains. It flows slowly over land due to its immense weight, shaping landscapes through erosion as it moves, and plays a key role in the Earth's water cycle.
Why "Glacier" Fits
The clue asks for a single word (7 letters) meaning "slow moving mass of ice." The answer, GLACIER, fits perfectly:
- Slow moving mass of ice: Glacier is the scientific and everyday term for a persistent body of dense ice that moves slowly under its own weight, typically found in mountains or polar regions—exactly matching the clue’s definition.
- Direct match: With seven letters, glacier fits the enumeration precisely.
- Precise meaning: The word describes not just any ice, but specifically a formation that shifts gradually due to gravity and its own accumulated mass.
Glacier is central to geography, natural history, and climate science:
Origin and usage:
- From French glacier and Latin glacies ("ice"), the term entered English in the 18th century through the study of Alpine topography.
- Glaciers exist on every continent, most dramatically in Antarctica, Greenland, the Himalayas, Alps, Rockies, and Andes.
Formation and movement:
- Created by the accumulation and compaction of snow over years, decades, and centuries.
- Move imperceptibly, but their power shapes valleys, carves mountains, and affects global sea levels.
Types:
- Valley glaciers (flow down mountain valleys).
- Continental glaciers (vast ice sheets).
Examples:
- “The glacier crept down the valley, carving out its characteristic U-shape.”
- “Melting glaciers contribute to rising sea levels.”
- “Tourists visited the famous Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina.”
In quick crosswords like “Slow moving mass of ice (7),” clues about natural features focus on terms with clear scientific and popular meaning:
Definition: The clue points directly to glacier, as opposed to icebergs, floes, or snowfields, which either don't move or aren't massive sheets.
Clue type: Simple definition—no hidden science required.
Solving approach:
- Consider seven-letter geographical terms—glacier matches perfectly by length and uniqueness.
Crossword pattern: Terms for distinctive landforms or phenomena (glacier, volcano, canyon) are popular for their clarity and visual impact.
