Crevassed: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'crevasse' comes from the French word 'crevasser', which means to break or to burst.
• It first appeared in English in the early 19th century, primarily used in mountaineering contexts.
• The root 'crev-' is related to breaking or cracking, showing a direct connection to the idea of gaps or fissures.

Geology

• Crevassed areas often occur in glaciers, where ice movement creates tension and leads to cracks.
• These formations can be dangerous for climbers, as they may hide deep holes that are hard to see.
• Crevasses can vary in size, with some being inches wide while others can span several meters.

Climate Change

• As temperatures rise, glaciers are melting, changing crevassed formations and sometimes leading to the creation of new ones.
• Scientists study these cracks to understand glacier dynamics and the effects of global warming.
• Monitoring crevassed regions can provide vital data for predicting sea-level rise.

Adventure and Exploration

• Famous explorers like Ernest Shackleton faced treacherous crevassed terrain during polar expeditions.
• Crevasses are often a highlight in ice field mountaineering, presenting both breathtaking scenery and danger.
• Guides teach climbers how to navigate around or across crevassed regions safely.

Literature

• In adventure novels, crevasses might symbolize obstacles or challenges faced by characters traversing icy landscapes.
• Creative writers use crevassed imagery to evoke feelings of isolation or danger in their settings.
• Some authors blend real geographical features like crevasses into their storytelling to enhance tension and realism.