Nota: La traducción de esta entrada está actualmente en revisión de calidad, por lo que parte del contenido se muestra temporalmente solo en inglés.
Esta entrada aún no se ha traducido a tu idioma, así que se muestra el original a continuación.
cirque
This term is primarily used in geomorphology and glaciology to describe a specific landform. It carries a technical, descriptive tone and is rarely used in casual conversation unless the speaker is discussing hiking, mountaineering, or geology. The word evokes a sense of enclosure and dramatic verticality, emphasizing the "bowl" or "amphitheater" shape created by glacial erosion.
While the term is specific to glacial landscapes, it is often used interchangeably with "corrie" in Scotland or "cwm" in Wales. In a professional geological context, it refers specifically to the erosional process that carves the basin, whereas in a recreational context, it describes the physical destination or landmark.
Meanings
Examples
The hikers rested in the shelter of a massive glacial cirque.
Look at how the cirque forms a perfect natural amphitheater around the lake.
I wonder if a tarn has formed at the bottom of this cirque.
The steep walls of the cirque make it a challenging climb for beginners.
Ancient glaciers carved this deep cirque into the granite mountain side.
We should set up camp inside the cirque to block the wind.
The geological survey identified several cirques along the northern ridge.
It is breathtaking to see the sunrise hitting the rim of the cirque.