Ask Difference

Fjord vs. Sound — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 5, 2024
A fjord is a deep, narrow, and elongated sea or lake drain, often with steep land on three sides, formed by glacier movements, whereas a sound is a large sea or ocean inlet larger than a bay, often involving complex shorelines and islands.
Fjord vs. Sound — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Fjord and Sound

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Key Differences

jords are typically formed by the process of glaciation and are characterized by steep cliffs created by glacier movement. Sounds, on the other hand, can be formed by a variety of geological processes, including the flooding of river valleys or the submergence of a coastline.
One significant difference between fjords and sounds is the presence of thresholds at the entrance of fjords, remnants of the glacier's terminal moraine. These thresholds can cause shallow entrances to fjords, whereas sounds typically have deeper and more open entrances. This difference affects marine navigation and the types of ecosystems that can thrive in each.
Another distinction is the surrounding environment and biodiversity. Fjords, due to their steep and often isolated nature, can host unique ecosystems both above and below the water. The cold, nutrient-rich waters of fjords support a diverse marine life. Sounds, with their gentler slopes and more accessible shores, often support a different set of plant and animal life, including wide expanses of marshland and estuaries.
Culturally and historically, fjords and sounds have played different roles for the communities that live near them. Fjords, with their dramatic landscapes, have often been the sites of myths, legends, and a strong sense of cultural identity, especially in Scandinavian countries. Sounds, being more accessible, have typically been important for trade, settlement, and as safe harbors, shaping the economic and social structures of the communities around them.

Comparison Chart

Formation

Formed by glacier movement, cutting deep, narrow, and steep valleys.
Formed by the flooding of river valleys or submergence of coastline, generally wider.
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Geography

Found in colder regions like Norway and New Zealand, with steep cliffs.
Found in various regions, including New Zealand and the USA, with complex shorelines.

Entrance

Often has a shallow threshold due to glacial moraines.
Typically has deeper and more open entrances.

Ecosystem

Cold, nutrient-rich waters support diverse marine life; isolated cliffs host unique terrestrial ecosystems.
Supports varied ecosystems, including marshlands and estuaries; more accessible shores.

Cultural Significance

Often associated with myths and strong cultural identities, especially in Scandinavian countries.
Historically important for trade and settlement; plays a significant role in local economies.

Compare with Definitions

Fjord

Host to unique ecosystems.
The cold waters of fjords are home to a variety of fish and marine mammals.

Sound

A wide inlet of the sea or ocean that is larger than a bay, often surrounded by land.
The Puget Sound in Washington is a complex network of navigable waterways.

Fjord

Formed through the process of glaciation.
Glaciers carved out what we now see as the fjords of today.

Sound

Features a complex shoreline with a mix of bays, peninsulas, and islands.
The complex shorelines of sounds make them excellent places for boating and fishing.

Fjord

Known for their dramatic and rugged landscapes.
Fjords are a magnet for tourists seeking natural beauty and outdoor adventures.

Sound

Historically significant for trade and exploration.
Sounds have played a key role in the development of many coastal communities.

Fjord

A long, narrow, deep inlet of the sea between high cliffs, typically formed by submergence of a glaciated valley.
The Sognefjord in Norway extends over 200 kilometers inland from the coast.

Sound

Serves as important habitats for marine and bird species.
Sounds are crucial breeding grounds for many species of fish and birds.

Fjord

Characterized by steep land on three sides.
Fjords often present challenging terrain for builders but offer breathtaking views.

Sound

Formed by the flooding of river valleys or the submergence of a coastline.
Many sounds were once river valleys that became flooded after the last ice age.

Fjord

In geology, a fjord or fiord (alternatively fyord) ( (listen)) is a long, narrow inlet with steep sides or cliffs, created by a glacier. There are many fjords on the coasts of Alaska, Antarctica, British Columbia, Chile, Denmark, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Ireland, Kamchatka, the Kerguelen Islands, New Zealand, Norway, Novaya Zemlya, Labrador, Nunavut, Newfoundland, Quebec, Scotland, South Georgia Island, Isla de los Estados, and Washington state.

Sound

In physics, sound is a vibration that propagates as an acoustic wave, through a transmission medium such as a gas, liquid or solid. In human physiology and psychology, sound is the reception of such waves and their perception by the brain.

Fjord

A long, narrow, deep inlet of the sea between high cliffs, as in Norway, typically formed by submergence of a glaciated valley.

Sound

Vibrations transmitted through an elastic solid or a liquid or gas, with frequencies in the approximate range of 20 to 20,000 hertz, capable of being detected by human organs of hearing.

Fjord

A long, narrow, deep inlet of the sea between steep slopes, especially one shaped by glacial action.

Sound

Transmitted vibrations of any frequency.

Fjord

A long, narrow, deep inlet between cliffs.

Sound

The sensation stimulated in the organs of hearing by such vibrations in the air or other medium.

Fjord

See Fiord.

Sound

Such sensations considered as a group.

Fjord

A long narrow inlet of the sea between steep cliffs; common in Norway

Sound

A distinctive noise
A hollow sound.

Sound

The distance over which something can be heard
Within sound of my voice.

Sound

An articulation made by the vocal apparatus
A vowel sound.

Sound

The distinctive character of such an articulation
The words bear and bare have the same sound.

Sound

A mental impression; an implication
Didn't like the sound of the invitation.

Sound

Auditory material that is recorded, as for a movie.

Sound

Meaningless noise.

Sound

(Music) A distinctive style, as of an orchestra or singer.

Sound

(Archaic) Rumor; report.

Sound

A long, relatively wide body of water, larger than a strait or a channel, connecting larger bodies of water.

Sound

A long, wide ocean inlet.

Sound

(Archaic) The swim bladder of a fish.

Sound

An instrument used to examine or explore body cavities, as for foreign bodies or other abnormalities, or to dilate strictures in them.

Sound

To make or give forth a sound
The siren sounded.

Sound

To be given forth as a sound
The fanfare sounded.

Sound

To present a particular impression
That argument sounds reasonable.

Sound

To cause to give forth or produce a sound
Sounded the gong.

Sound

To summon, announce, or signal by a sound
Sound a warning.

Sound

(Linguistics) To articulate; pronounce
Sound a vowel.

Sound

To make known; celebrate
"Nations unborn your mighty names shall sound" (Alexander Pope).

Sound

To examine (a body organ or part) by causing to emit sound; auscultate.

Sound

To measure the depth of (water), especially by means of a weighted line; fathom.

Sound

To try to learn the attitudes or opinions of
Sounded out her feelings.

Sound

To probe (a body cavity) with a sound.

Sound

To measure depth.

Sound

To dive swiftly downward. Used of a marine mammal or a fish.

Sound

To look into a possibility; investigate.

Sound

Free from defect, decay, or damage; in good condition
Is the bridge sound?.

Sound

Free from disease or injury.

Sound

Marked by or showing common sense and good judgment; levelheaded
A sound approach to the problem.

Sound

Based on valid reasoning; having no logical flaws
A sound conclusion.
Sound reasoning.

Sound

(Logic) Of or relating to an argument in which all the premises are true and the conclusion follows from the premises.

Sound

Secure or stable
A partnership that started on a sound footing.

Sound

Financially secure or safe
A sound economy.

Sound

Thorough; complete
Gave their rivals a sound thrashing.

Sound

Deep and unbroken; undisturbed
A sound sleep.

Sound

Compatible with an accepted point of view; orthodox
Sound doctrine.

Sound

Thoroughly; deeply
Sound asleep.

Sound

Healthy.
He was safe and sound.
In horse management a sound horse is one with no health problems that might affect its suitability for its intended work.

Sound

Complete, solid, or secure.
Fred assured me the floorboards were sound.

Sound

Having the property of soundness.

Sound

Good; acceptable; decent.
How are you? —I'm sound.
That's a sound track you're playing.
See that man over there? He's sound. You should get to know him.

Sound

(of sleep) Quiet and deep.
Sound asleep means sleeping peacefully, and often deeply.
Her sleep was sound.

Sound

Heavy; laid on with force.
A sound beating

Sound

Founded in law; legal; valid; not defective.
A sound title to land

Sound

Soundly.

Sound

Yes; used to show agreement or understanding, generally without much enthusiasm.
I found my jacket. — Sound.

Sound

A sensation perceived by the ear caused by the vibration of air or some other medium.
He turned when he heard the sound of footsteps behind him.
Nobody made a sound.

Sound

A vibration capable of causing such sensations.

Sound

(music) A distinctive style and sonority of a particular musician, orchestra, &.

Sound

Noise without meaning; empty noise.

Sound

, distance within which a certain noise may be heard.
Stay within the sound of my voice.

Sound

(phonetics) A segment as a part of spoken language, the smallest unit of spoken language, a speech sound.

Sound

A long narrow inlet, or a strait between the mainland and an island; also, a strait connecting two seas, or connecting a sea or lake with the ocean.
Puget Sound; Owen Sound; Long Island Sound

Sound

The air bladder of a fish.
Cod sounds are an esteemed article of food.

Sound

A long, thin probe for sounding or dilating body cavities or canals such as the urethra; a sonde.

Sound

(intransitive) To produce a sound.
When the horn sounds, take cover.

Sound

(copulative) To convey an impression by one's sound.
He sounded good when we last spoke.
That story sounds like a pack of lies!

Sound

(intransitive) To be conveyed in sound; to be spread or published; to convey intelligence by sound.

Sound

To resound.

Sound

To arise or to be recognizable as arising in or from a particular area of law, or as likely to result in a particular kind of legal remedy.
In my opinion this claim sounds in damages rather than in an injunction.

Sound

(transitive) To cause to produce a sound.
Sound the alarm!
He sounds the instrument.

Sound

To pronounce.
The "e" in "house" isn't sounded.

Sound

(intransitive) Dive downwards, used of a whale.
The whale sounded and eight hundred feet of heavy line streaked out of the line tub before he ended his dive.

Sound

To ascertain, or try to ascertain, the thoughts, motives, and purposes of (a person); to examine; to try; to test; to probe.
When I sounded him, he appeared to favor the proposed deal.

Sound

Test; ascertain the depth of water with a sounding line or other device.
Mariners on sailing ships would sound the depth of the water with a weighted rope.

Sound

(medicine) To examine with the instrument called a sound or sonde, or by auscultation or percussion.
To sound a patient, or the bladder or urethra

Sound

The air bladder of a fish; as, cod sounds are an esteemed article of food.

Sound

A cuttlefish.

Sound

A narrow passage of water, or a strait between the mainland and an island; also, a strait connecting two seas, or connecting a sea or lake with the ocean; as, the Sound between the Baltic and the german Ocean; Long Island Sound.
The Sound of Denmark, where ships pay toll.

Sound

Any elongated instrument or probe, usually metallic, by which cavities of the body are sounded or explored, especially the bladder for stone, or the urethra for a stricture.

Sound

The peceived object occasioned by the impulse or vibration of a material substance affecting the ear; a sensation or perception of the mind received through the ear, and produced by the impulse or vibration of the air or other medium with which the ear is in contact; the effect of an impression made on the organs of hearing by an impulse or vibration of the air caused by a collision of bodies, or by other means; noise; report; as, the sound of a drum; the sound of the human voice; a horrid sound; a charming sound; a sharp, high, or shrill sound.
The warlike soundOf trumpets loud and clarions.

Sound

The occasion of sound; the impulse or vibration which would occasion sound to a percipient if present with unimpaired; hence, the theory of vibrations in elastic media such cause sound; as, a treatise on sound.

Sound

Noise without signification; empty noise; noise and nothing else.
Sense and not sound . . . must be the principle.

Sound

Whole; unbroken; unharmed; free from flaw, defect, or decay; perfect of the kind; as, sound timber; sound fruit; a sound tooth; a sound ship.

Sound

Healthy; not diseased; not being in a morbid state; - said of body or mind; as, a sound body; a sound constitution; a sound understanding.

Sound

Firm; strong; safe.
The brasswork here, how rich it is in beams,And how, besides, it makes the whole house sound.

Sound

Free from error; correct; right; honest; true; faithful; orthodox; - said of persons; as, a sound lawyer; a sound thinker.
Do not I know you a favorerOf this new seat? Ye are nor sound.

Sound

Founded in truth or right; supported by justice; not to be overthrown on refuted; not fallacious; as, sound argument or reasoning; a sound objection; sound doctrine; sound principles.
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me.

Sound

Heavy; laid on with force; as, a sound beating.

Sound

Undisturbed; deep; profound; as, sound sleep.

Sound

Founded in law; legal; valid; not defective; as, a sound title to land.

Sound

Soundly.
So sound he slept that naught might him awake.

Sound

To measure the depth of; to fathom; especially, to ascertain the depth of by means of a line and plummet.

Sound

Fig.: To ascertain, or try to ascertain, the thoughts, motives, and purposes of (a person); to examine; to try; to test; to probe.
I was in jest,And by that offer meant to sound your breast.
I've sounded my Numidians man by man.

Sound

To explore, as the bladder or urethra, with a sound; to examine with a sound; also, to examine by auscultation or percussion; as, to sound a patient.

Sound

To ascertain the depth of water with a sounding line or other device.
I sound as a shipman soundeth in the sea with his plummet to know the depth of sea.

Sound

To make a noise; to utter a voice; to make an impulse of the air that shall strike the organs of hearing with a perceptible effect.
How silver-sweet sound lovers' tongues!

Sound

To be conveyed in sound; to be spread or published; to convey intelligence by sound.
From you sounded out the word of the Lord.

Sound

To make or convey a certain impression, or to have a certain import, when heard; hence, to seem; to appear; as, this reproof sounds harsh; the story sounds like an invention.
Good sir, why do you start, and seem to fearThings that do sound so fair?
Soun[d]ing in moral virtue was his speech.

Sound

To cause to make a noise; to play on; as, to sound a trumpet or a horn; to sound an alarm.
A bagpipe well could he play and soun[d].

Sound

To cause to exit as a sound; as, to sound a note with the voice, or on an instrument.

Sound

To order, direct, indicate, or proclain by a sound, or sounds; to give a signal for by a certain sound; as, to sound a retreat; to sound a parley.
The clock sounded the hour of noon.

Sound

To celebrate or honor by sounds; to cause to be reported; to publish or proclaim; as, to sound the praises of fame of a great man or a great exploit.

Sound

To examine the condition of (anything) by causing the same to emit sounds and noting their character; as, to sound a piece of timber; to sound a vase; to sound the lungs of a patient.

Sound

To signify; to import; to denote.
Soun[d]ing alway the increase of his winning.

Sound

The particular auditory effect produced by a given cause;
The sound of rain on the roof
The beautiful sound of music

Sound

The subjective sensation of hearing something;
He strained to hear the faint sounds

Sound

Mechanical vibrations transmitted by an elastic medium;
Falling trees make a sound in the forest even when no one is there to hear them

Sound

The sudden occurrence of an audible event;
The sound awakened them

Sound

The audible part of a transmitted signal;
They always raise the audio for commercials

Sound

(phonetics) an individual sound unit of speech without concern as to whether or not it is a phoneme of some language

Sound

A narrow channel of the sea joining two larger bodies of water

Sound

A large ocean inlet or deep bay;
The main body of the sound ran parallel to the coast

Sound

Appear in a certain way;
This sounds interesting

Sound

Make a certain noise or sound;
She went `Mmmmm'
The gun went `bang'

Sound

Give off a certain sound or sounds;
This record sounds scratchy

Sound

Announce by means of a sound;
Sound the alarm

Sound

Utter with vibrating vocal chords

Sound

Cause to sound;
Sound the bell
Sound a certain note

Sound

Measure the depth of (a body of water) with a sounding line

Sound

Financially secure and safe;
Sound investments
A sound economy

Sound

Exercising or showing good judgment;
Healthy scepticism
A healthy fear of rattlesnakes
The healthy attitude of French laws
Healthy relations between labor and management
An intelligent solution
A sound approach to the problem
Sound advice
No sound explanation for his decision

Sound

In good condition; free from defect or damage or decay;
A sound timber
The wall is sound
A sound foundation

Sound

In excellent physical condition;
Good teeth
I still have one good leg
A sound mind in a sound body

Sound

Reflects weight of sound argument or evidence;
A sound argument

Sound

Having legal efficacy or force;
A sound title to the property

Sound

Free from moral defect;
A man of sound character

Sound

(of sleep) deep and complete;
A heavy sleep
Fell into a profound sleep
A sound sleeper
Deep wakeless sleep

Sound

Thorough;
A sound thrashing

Sound

Deeply or completely;
Slept soundly through the storm
Is sound asleep

Common Curiosities

Are fjords found only in cold regions?

While fjords are typically found in colder regions due to their glacial origin, some can be found in temperate areas as well.

What is a fjord?

A fjord is a deep, narrow, and elongated sea or lake drain, often with steep land on three sides, formed by glacier movements.

How do fjords affect local culture?

Fjords often hold a significant place in local culture and mythology, especially in places like Scandinavia, due to their dramatic landscapes.

Can sounds be navigated by large ships?

Yes, many sounds have deep and open entrances that allow for the navigation of large ships.

Can fjords and sounds both be found in the same country?

Yes, countries like New Zealand have both fjords and sounds, each offering distinct landscapes and ecosystems.

How is a sound formed?

A sound is formed by the flooding of river valleys or the submergence of a coastline, often involving complex shorelines and islands.

What makes fjords unique compared to sounds?

Fjords are unique due to their steep cliffs and deep, narrow valleys formed by glaciation, as opposed to the broader and often shallower sounds.

Are fjords significant for biodiversity?

Yes, fjords support diverse marine life due to their cold, nutrient-rich waters and unique terrestrial ecosystems on their steep cliffs.

Are all fjords formed by glaciers?

While the most iconic fjords are formed by glaciers, there are similar formations created by other geological processes, but these are typically not called fjords.

How do sounds impact local economies?

Sounds often impact local economies through activities such as fishing, boating, and tourism, given their accessible and varied ecosystems.

What recreational activities are popular in sounds?

Boating, fishing, and bird watching are popular activities in sounds due to their accessible waters and diverse wildlife.

What role do sounds play in marine biodiversity?

Sounds play a crucial role in marine biodiversity as breeding grounds for various species and as habitats offering a wide range of food sources.

Do fjords have any economic significance?

Yes, fjords have economic significance in tourism, attracting visitors with their unique natural beauty, and in some cases, fisheries.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Maham Liaqat
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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