Thelon Esker

The Thelon Esker is a prominent, long glacial ridge located in the territory of Nunavut, Canada. It stretches across vast distances of the Arctic tundra landscape, serving as a major natural feature.

This massive geological formation was created during the last Ice Age by subglacial meltwater streams flowing beneath continental ice sheets. As the glaciers retreated, they left behind this continuous, winding ridge of stratified sand and gravel.

Because it stands high above the surrounding wet tundra, the Thelon Esker serves as a major natural travel corridor for migrating caribou. The dry, elevated ground also provides crucial denning habitats for Arctic wildlife like wolves and foxes.

An esker is a long, winding ridge of stratified sand and gravel, formed by the deposition of sediment in a subglacial meltwater tunnel. The Thelon Esker is one of the most famous and prominent examples of this geological feature in North America.