Glencoe Keyboarding with Computer Applications

SCIENCE CONNECTION: Fun Fjord Facts

Introduction
Learn about fjords and create a table that compiles the information.

Directions
Read the information below and apply what you learn to answer the questions. Key your answers into the spaces below.

Fjords of the World
A fjord (pronounced fyôrd ) is a body of water that begins at the sea and then extends far inland. Scientists speculate that fjords were created by glaciers that carved steep valleys, which were eventually filled with sea water. Fjords are usually very deep and narrow, with walls that extend well beneath their surface.

Fjords in Norway The country that is best known for its fjords is Norway . There are many fjords along Norway's coast, but the longest in the country (and second longest in the world) is called the Sognafjorden. It extends about 127 miles inland (204 kilometers) and parts of it are almost 4300 feet deep. The Sognafjorden is in an area that has beautiful mountains and glaciers. Other fjords are in more populated areas. The Hardangerfjord, for example, begins near the important Norwegian city of Bergen.

Besides Norway, spectacular fjords can be found in many parts of the world.

Scotland Scotland's sea lochs, or firths, are also fjords. Loch Fyne is the longest sea loch, extending 40 miles (65 kilometers). It is a popular tourist area.

Alaska The Tracy Arm Fjord in Alaska is 30 miles long and travels past glaciers and mountains through inland Alaska. The Kenai Fjords National Park still has an active glacier that scientists study to understand how the glacier changes the landscape.

New Zealand There are more than a dozen fjords in New Zealand's Fiordland National Park. The park is located in the country's south island, where much of the Lord of the Rings movies were set.

Chile In the most southern tip of South America, fjords pass through Chile near the Andes mountains. These fjords originate in the Strait of Magellan, the difficult route traveled by the first explorers who sailed around the world.

Greenland Greenland's Scoresby Sund is 210 miles (350 kilometers), the longest fjord in the world.

Canada, Iceland, and Antarctica also have fjords along their coasts.

Find Information on a Web Site With your teacher's permission, use a search engine to find out more about this topic. Here are some keywords you might use: fjords, fjord locations, the names of individual fjords, or fjords + the name of the country.

Activity Questions

1			Name five countries or regions that have fjords.
2			What are fjords in Scotland also known as?
3			Where might you cruise down a fjord and see the Andes mountains?
4			Why is the Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska important for scientists?
5			Where is the longest fjord in the world located? What is it called and how long is it?