How Glaciers Shaped Yosemite's Landscapes

During the last glacial period, massive glaciers carved Yosemite's iconic features:

• Erosion & Carving: "Ice bulldozers" plucked and ground granite, carrying debris away.
• Valley & Canyon Formation: Deepened and widened valleys; Yosemite Valley's U-shape is a classic glacial signature.
• Hanging Valleys: Tributary glaciers left side valleys "hanging" above main valleys (e.g., Bridalveil Fall, Ribbon Fall).
• Glacial Deposits: Moraines (rock/debris ridges) left at glacier edges (e.g., terminal moraine at Tenaya Lake).
• Lake Formation: Depressions from melting glaciers became lakes (Tenaya Lake, Lake Merced) often ringed by moraines.
• Polished Rock: Glacial movement polished granite surfaces (Half Dome, Glacier Point).
• Talus Slopes: Retreating glaciers left debris piles forming talus slopes (e.g., base of El Capitan).

Over millions of years, glacial force and unique geology created Yosemite's awe-inspiring landscapes.