How Do You Spell ROCHE MOUTONNEE?

1. A roche moutonnee is a geological formation characterized by a smoothly rounded and elongated rock outcrop, often found in regions that have been subjected to glaciation. Derived from French, the term translates to "sheep-shaped rock" due to its resemblance to the back of a sheep when observed in profile. Roche moutonnees are typically formed as a result of glacial erosion and are commonly found in areas with a history of glaciation, such as former ice sheets, continental glaciers, or alpine glaciers.

   The formation process of a roche moutonnee begins with the movement of a glacier across the landscape. The weight and pressure exerted by the moving ice gradually erode the upstream side of the rock outcrop through processes like plucking and abrasion. This creates a gently sloping and polished surface on the downstream side, while the upstream side may exhibit steeper and more rugged features.

   Roche moutonnees often serve as indicators of past glacial activity and can provide valuable insights into the geological history of an area. They are frequently used by geologists in glacial geomorphology studies to examine the extent and characteristics of past glaciations. Additionally, roche moutonnees may also contribute to the formation of other glacial landforms, such as drumlins and striations, through their interaction with glacial processes.

2. The name given by French geologists to the projecting eminences of Alpine rocks that have been rounded and smoothed by glacier action, so called from their resemblance to sheep at rest.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for ROCHE MOUTONNEE

The term "roche moutonnée" is of French origin and translates to "sheep rock" in English. The etymology of this term can be broken down as follows:

1. Roche: In French, "roche" means "rock". It comes from the Old French word "roche", which has Latin roots in "rocca" (meaning "rock" or "fortress") and ultimately derives from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₂reǵ- (meaning "rock" or "stone").

2. Moutonnée: In French, "moutonnée" is the feminine form of "moutonné", which is the past participle of the verb "moutonner".