A fjord is a long, narrow inlet of the sea that is typically surrounded by steep cliffs or mountains.
Fjords are formed through a combination of glacial activity and tectonic processes.
They are commonly found in regions with a history of glaciation, such as Norway, New Zealand, Canada, Chile, Iceland, Greenland, the United States, Scotland, etc., although they can be found in other parts of the world as well.
The formation of a fjord usually begins with the carving of a deep valley by a glacier during periods of glaciation.
As the glacier advances and retreats, it erodes the landscape, creating a U-shaped valley.
When the glacier eventually retreats due to changes in climate, sea levels rise, and the valley becomes submerged by the ocean.
This results in the characteristic long, deep, and narrow inlet with steep sides that we associate with fjords.
Fjords are not only visually stunning natural features but also provide important habitats for various wildlife and are often popular tourist destinations due to their scenic beauty.
Additionally, they can serve as navigational routes and have historically been important for transportation and trade in some regions.