What phenomenon occurs when a glacier melts and exposes the underlying rock?

When a glacier melts and reveals the underlying rock, this process is known as glacial erosion. Glaciation involves the movement of large ice masses that carve and reshape the landscape as they advance and retreat. As a glacier flows over the land, it can scratch, gouge, and transport rock material, leading to erosion of the underlying bedrock. This erosion occurs due to the immense weight of the glacier and the presence of embedded debris, which acts like sandpaper against the rock surfaces.

When the glacier melts, the previously covered rock is laid bare, showing the effects of this erosive process, such as striations (scratches) left on the rock surface. This exposure is a clear result of the glacier's movement and the erosion that took place while it was present. Consequently, glacial erosion represents a crucial aspect of how glacial landscapes are formed and modified over time.