V-Shaped Valleys

In the upper course of the river the source of the river can be found. The upper course is typically in
mountainous and hilly landscapes. The water is fast flowing due to the steep sides of the valleys and
the steep gradient of the river.

V-shaped valleys are found in the upper course of the river near its source. Water flows quickly through
a narrow channel with a steep gradient. The river erodes downwards (vertical erosion) which creates
the narrow and deep cross-profile due to boulders, stones and rock particles being scraped along the
riverbed which creates steep valley sides.

Over time, as the river erodes vertically. the steep sides are weathered (the breakdown of rocks, soils
and minerals) and this breaks up and loosens the soil and rock. Gradually the loosened materials move
down the valley sides creating the V shape.

DRAW: How V-Shaped Valleys are formed

DRAW: How V-Shaped Valleys are formed

V-shaped valley examples
Interlocking Spurs
Spurs are ridges of hard rock which juts into a river descending from mountains into a valley. Water in a
river is forced to wind around a spur as it flows downstream as the river cannot erode the hard rock.

Interlocking spurs are formed when the river is forced to swing side to side around numerous spurs
which interlock as you look at the river. (TIP: Interlock your fingers and form a V with your hands to
help you remember.)

DRAW:

Interlocking spur examples

Waterfalls
Waterfalls primarily occur in the upper course of the river. Often a waterfall will form where a band of
harder rock lies over a softer one. As the river flows over the edge of the harder, more resistant rock,
into its plunge pool, hydraulic action and abrasion erodes away the softer rock below leading to
undercutting. Undercutting forms a cave behind the waterfall. The piece of hard rock which is now
hanging is called an overhang. Once the overhang is large enough the whole structure collapses due to
gravity and its own weight as it no longer has support. The whole process then occurs again. This
means that over time waterfalls will move backwards up the valley (retreat), leaving a steep sided gorge
in front of them.

Summary:
✓ A layer of hard rock lies on top of a layer of soft rock,
✓ The soft rock erodes more quickly, undercutting the hard rock.
✓ The hard rock is left overhanging and because it isn’t supported, it eventually collapses.
✓ The fallen rocks crash into the plunge pool. They swirl around, causing more erosion.
✓ Over time, this process is repeated and the waterfall retreats upstream.
✓ A steep-sided gorge is formed as the waterfall retreats.

DRAW: Formation of a Waterfall

DRAW: Formation of a Waterfall
DRAWING THIS DIAGRAM IS OPTIONAL:

Watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=38&v=XFGFEb9MZcY&feature=emb_logo