1. the process of being covered by glaciers or ice sheets, or the state of being glaciated
Usage: commonly used in geology and climate science
2. a period in Earth's history when large areas were covered by glaciers and ice sheets
Usage: often capitalized when referring to specific ice ages
3. the erosional and depositional effects produced by glaciers moving across a landscape
Usage: geological term

Examples

• The glaciation of North America during the last ice age shaped the Great Lakes.
• Scientists study glaciation patterns to understand past climate changes.
• Evidence of glaciation can be seen in the U-shaped valleys carved by ancient glaciers.
• The most recent glaciation ended approximately 10,000 years ago.
• Glaciation left behind deposits of rock and sediment across the northern landscape.
• During periods of glaciation, sea levels dropped significantly.