---
title: "Short note: Cirque"
subject: "Engineering Geology I"
chapter: 6
key: "semester_3/engineering_geology_i:short-note-cirque"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/engineering_geology_i/short-note-cirque
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Short note: Cirque

Engineering Geology I · Chapter 6: Physical Geology

- Asked in: 2081 Chaitra (new course), 1 marks
- Video: [Glacial Erosional Landforms](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJP8OU38ESM) — Brian Donlin
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/engineering_geology_i/short-note-cirque
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_3/engineering_geology_i/chapter-6

## Question

Write a short note on Cirque.

## Short answer

A cirque is a bowl-shaped hollow with steep walls at the head of a glacial valley, formed by frost action, plucking, and abrasion. After ice melts, it may contain a tarn lake. Adjacent cirques create arêtes and horns.

## Answer

A **cirque (corrie)** is a bowl or armchair-shaped hollow with steep back walls, at the head of a glacial valley, formed by frost action, plucking and abrasion where the glacier begins. After the ice melts, it often holds a small lake called a **tarn**. Cirques cutting back to back form arêtes and horns.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. A cirque is:
   A. Sharp peak
   B. Bowl or armchair hollow at head of a glacial valley
   C. Knife ridge
   D. Drowned trough
   Answer: B. Formed by frost action, plucking and abrasion. (Key point: Shape)

2. A lake in a cirque is called:
   A. Fjord
   B. Ox-bow
   C. Tarn
   D. Lagoon
   Answer: C. After the ice melts. (Key point: Tarn)

3. Cirques cutting back to back form:
   A. Moraines
   B. Drumlins
   C. Eskers
   D. Arêtes and horns
   Answer: D. Sharp ridges and peaks. (Key point: Related)