In this part of Vermont such studies indicate that the ice moved in from the north or northwest. This is a view of a nearly horizontal glacially polished surface on top of a roadside ledge. Fainter striations with an azimuth of 152 degrees can be seen running diagonally down to the right in the lower right-hand side of the photo. These striations cross-cut the 184 degree striations and are thus younger. Photo by Charles V. Cogbill.
Glacial striations are easiest to see when the sun is low.
Wetting the surface of the rock with a little water can make the striations show up much better. Glacially polished surfaces. The surface shown in the photo is very smooth. The rock has been polished by the fine-grained rock fragments which make up much of the load of the glacier. Thus, the glacier generally tends to smooth and polish the surface of the rocks it grinds over.