A "cirque" is a bowl-shaped depression found in mountainous regions, formed by glacial erosion. It typically has steep sides and a flat bottom, often containing a small lake or tarn. Cirques are created when glaciers carve out the landscape as they move, leaving behind distinct features. These geological formations are commonly associated with the Alps, Rocky Mountains, and other major mountain ranges. Cirques can serve as the starting points for glaciers, which may flow down into valleys, contributing to further erosion and shaping the surrounding terrain.