Crevasse

glaciers · ice · geology · nature

Deep ice cracks. Crevasses are long, narrow openings that form in glaciers and ice sheets. They can be hundreds of feet deep and are hidden by snow bridges that look solid but can collapse under your feet.

Stress and movement. Crevasses form because glaciers are always moving and stretching like taffy. When different parts of the ice move at different speeds, the stress causes the ice to break and crack apart.

Dangerous to climbers. Mountain climbers must be very careful around crevasses because they're hard to see under the snow. Falling into one can be life-threatening, so climbers use ropes and special equipment to stay safe.

Found on glaciers. You'll find crevasses on glaciers all over the world, including in places like Antarctica, Greenland, the Alps, and the Rocky Mountains. They form wherever ice sheets are thick enough and moving fast enough to crack.