Fjord
U.S. Geological Survey photo by Bruce Molnia (fair use policy)
A fjord (also spelled "fiord" by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names) is a glacial valley that has been invaded by the sea. "Fjord" is a Norwegian word. The two fjords in this picture are Barry Arm on the left and College Fiord on the right, in Prince William Sound, Alaska.
A fjord generally has a U-shaped profile with deep water near shore. The glacier that forms the fjord leaves the valley walls in an oversteepened condition that is prone to landslides. The mouth of a fjord may have a moraine across it that creates a barrier to ships. One notorious Alaskan fjord, Lituya Bay, is one of the most dangerous places in the world for these and other reasons.
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