Lateral moraines are ridges of debris that form along the sides of a glacier. As a glacier moves, it picks up rocks and soil from the valley walls, which then accumulate along the edges. These ridges can be seen when the glacier retreats, leaving behind a trail of the materials it carried. When glaciers melt, the lateral moraines become visible as long, hilly formations. They are important for understanding the history of glaciers and the landscape, as they indicate the glacier's past position. Studying lateral moraines helps scientists learn about climate change and the movement of glaciers over time.