glacial drainage channel(meltwater channel) A channel cut by the action of glacial meltwater or by water from an ice-dammed lake (overflow channel). Various types may be recognized, classified by the position of the channel with reference to the glacier (e.g. ice-marginal, englacial, or subglacial). Usually these channels are steep-sided and flat-floored, and are unrelated to the present drainage pattern.

glacial drainage channel (meltwater channel) Channel cut by the action of glacial meltwater or by water from an ice-dammed lake. Various types may be recognized, classified by the position of the channel with reference to the glacier, e.g. ice-marginal, englacial, or subglacial. Usually these channels are steep-sided and flat-floored, and are unrelated to the present drainage pattern.