Corrie - GCSE Geography Definition

A corrie, also known as a cirque or cwm, is a bowl-shaped landform found in mountainous regions. This landform is created due to glacial erosion, where the glacier's movement wears away the rock beneath, forming a steep-sided, hollow depression. Over time, freeze-thaw weathering and the plucking action of the ice deepen the corrie, while rotational sliding creates its characteristic shape. Corries are often the starting point for glaciers and are typically found on the side of mountains facing away from the prevailing wind. Understanding corries is important for GCSE Geography students as they demonstrate the powerful forces of glacial processes and their role in shaping upland landscapes.