Esker vs. Drumlin: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Janet White || Updated on May 20, 2024
Esker and drumlin are both glacial landforms, with an esker being a long, winding ridge formed by glacial meltwater, while a drumlin is an elongated hill formed by glacial ice movement.
Key Differences
An esker is a long, sinuous ridge of sand and gravel deposited by meltwater streams flowing within or beneath a glacier. These ridges can extend for several kilometers and are characterized by their winding, snake-like appearance. Eskers form when the glacier retreats, leaving behind the sediment carried by the meltwater. A drumlin, on the other hand, is an elongated hill shaped like an inverted spoon or half-buried egg. Formed by glacial ice moving over and reshaping pre-existing sediments, drumlins are typically found in clusters, known as drumlin fields, and their tapered end points in the direction of glacial movement.
While eskers result from meltwater deposition, drumlins are shaped by the mechanical action of glacial ice. Eskers are composed mainly of sorted sediments like sand and gravel, whereas drumlins consist of a mix of unsorted glacial till and other sediments.
Eskers often serve as natural pathways due to their elevated and stable surfaces, while drumlins influence local topography and drainage patterns. Both landforms provide valuable insights into the past behavior and dynamics of glaciers.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Long, winding ridge of sand and gravel deposited by glacial meltwater
Elongated hill formed by glacial ice movement
Formation Process
Deposited by meltwater streams within or beneath a glacier
Shaped by glacial ice reshaping pre-existing sediments
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Shape
Sinuous, snake-like ridge
Inverted spoon or half-buried egg shape
Composition
Sorted sediments (sand and gravel)
Unsorted glacial till and sediments
Location
Often found as solitary ridges
Typically found in clusters (drumlin fields)
Orientation
Can vary, reflecting past meltwater pathways
Tapered end points in the direction of ice movement
Esker and Drumlin Definitions
Esker
A long, winding ridge formed by glacial meltwater deposits.
The hikers followed the esker through the forest.
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Drumlin
An elongated hill formed by the movement of glacial ice.
The farm was nestled between several drumlins.
Esker
Created by meltwater flowing within or beneath a glacier.
As the glacier melted, it left behind a winding esker.
Drumlin
Typically composed of glacial till and other sediments.
The drumlin's composition included a mix of clay, silt, and boulders.
Esker
Composed of sand and gravel left by retreating glaciers.
The esker was rich in gravel, making it a useful resource.
Drumlin
Found in clusters known as drumlin fields.
The drumlin field stretched across the horizon.
Esker
Sinuous in shape, reflecting the paths of subglacial streams.
The esker meandered across the landscape like a giant serpent.
Drumlin
The tapered end points in the direction of past ice movement.
The direction of the drumlin indicated the glacier's flow towards the south.
Esker
Often found in formerly glaciated regions.
Eskers can be seen in many parts of northern Europe.
Drumlin
Shaped like an inverted spoon or half-buried egg.
The smooth, elongated shape of the drumlin was a clear indicator of glacial activity.
Esker
A long, narrow, steep-sided ridge of coarse sand and gravel deposited by a stream flowing in or under a melting sheet of glacial ice. Also called os3.
Drumlin
An elongated hill or ridge of glacial drift.
Esker
A long, narrow, sinuous ridge created by deposits from a stream running beneath a glacier.
Drumlin
(geography) An elongated hill or ridge of glacial drift.
Esker
(geology) a long winding ridge of post glacial gravel and other sediment; deposited by meltwater from glaciers or ice sheets
Drumlin
A hill of compact, unstratified, glacial drift or till, usually elongate or oval, with the larger axis parallel to the former local glacial motion.
Drumlin
A mound of glacial drift
FAQs
How does an esker form?
An esker forms from sediment deposits left by meltwater streams within or beneath a retreating glacier.
What is an esker?
An esker is a long, winding ridge of sand and gravel deposited by meltwater streams flowing within or beneath a glacier.
How does a drumlin form?
A drumlin forms when glacial ice reshapes pre-existing sediments into an elongated hill.
What is a drumlin?
A drumlin is an elongated hill formed by the reshaping of sediments by glacial ice movement.
What materials make up an esker?
Eskers are composed mainly of sorted sediments like sand and gravel.
What materials make up a drumlin?
Drumlins consist of unsorted glacial till and other sediments.
Are eskers and drumlins found in the same regions?
Both can be found in glaciated regions, but they form under different conditions and processes.
Do drumlins occur alone or in groups?
Drumlins typically occur in clusters called drumlin fields.
What is the shape of an esker?
Eskers have a sinuous, snake-like shape.
What is the shape of a drumlin?
Drumlins are shaped like inverted spoons or half-buried eggs.
Can drumlins be used for anything?
Drumlins are often used for agricultural purposes due to their well-drained soils.
What does an esker indicate about past glacial activity?
An esker indicates the presence of subglacial meltwater streams during glacial retreat.
What does a drumlin indicate about past glacial activity?
A drumlin indicates the direction and movement of glacial ice.
Are drumlins common?
Drumlins are also common in areas affected by past glaciation.
What is the primary difference between eskers and drumlins?
Eskers are formed by meltwater deposits, while drumlins are shaped by the movement of glacial ice.
Do eskers occur alone or in groups?
Eskers often occur as solitary ridges but can be found in groups.
Are eskers common?
Eskers are relatively common in formerly glaciated regions.
How do eskers impact the landscape?
Eskers can serve as natural pathways and influence local drainage patterns.
How do drumlins impact the landscape?
Drumlins influence local topography and drainage patterns.
Can eskers be used for anything?
Yes, eskers' stable surfaces make them useful for roads and trails.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
