Which type of glaciers are known to create sharp peaked mountains through U-shaped erosion?

Valley glaciers are responsible for creating sharp-peaked mountains through U-shaped erosion. These glaciers flow down existing valleys, carving out their distinct shapes as they move. The process of erosion creates a characteristic U-shape in the valley, contrasting with the V-shaped valleys formed by rivers. The intense pressure and movement of the ice reshapes the landscape, leading to the formation of rugged peaks and sharper ridges, such as those seen in mountain ranges like the Alps or the Rockies.

Continental glaciers, on the other hand, cover much larger areas and tend to produce more generalized landforms rather than sharp peaks. Laccoliths are a type of igneous rock formation and do not pertain to glacial processes. Erosion itself is a broader term that encompasses various forms of landscape alteration, not specifically linked to the formation of sharp peaks. Therefore, the specific action of valley glaciers is vital in the context of creating distinct mountain features through U-shaped erosion.