VALLEYS

By Kathlene Chyn S. Cayme 7-Mendel

What are valleys?

A valley is a type of landform. A valley is a lower part in the land that sits between two higher parts
which might be hills or mountains. They are geological formations commonly through erosion from
rivers or streams over a long time. Valleys are depressed areas of land–scoured and washed out by the
conspiring forces of gravity, water, and ice. Some hang; others are hollow. There two classifications of
valleys based on their appearances; they either take the form of a “U” or “V.”

The types of Valleys

V-shaped valleys are formed when a flowing river cuts into the earth. The valley gets its V shape when
rain and runoff flow down the banks of the river, causing erosion; V-shaped valleys are most commonly
found in the mountains.

They are mostly formed in higher altitudes with steep slopes

where the force of the river is stronger. Fast flowing water carrying
sediments cut the surface straight downwards at a rapid pace. This is
called vertical erosion. But oceans or seas are found near plains, hence
V-shaped valleys are not found near seas or oceans.

While U-shaped valleys formed through glacial erosion. Glaciation develops in established V-
shaped river valleys where the ice erodes the surrounding rocks to create a “U” shaped valley
with a flat bottom and steep sides. Glacier movement is driven by gravity.

As glaciers flow through these valleys, they concentrate

erosive action over the entire valley, widening its floor and
over-steepening its walls. After the glacier retreats, it leaves
behind a flat-bottomed, steep-walled U-shaped valley.

Sources:
https://kidskonnect.com/geography/valley/#:~:text=Valleys%20have%20been%20important%20for,in%20nutrients%20deposited%20by%20riv
ers.https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/valleys https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U-shaped_valley
https://images.app.goo.gl/LhBz6nMRGXT6yP9e8