The valley is a common landform throughout the world. It is usually the result of the wearing down of the earth’s surface by running water. Valleys can be defined as a depression in the earth between two hills or mountains.
The Life Story of a Valley
A fluvial landform is created by rivers or streams. Most valleys are fluvial landforms. The path of a river runs from high inland areas to low-lying coastal areas. Along this path, the river has different levels of energy for eroding the earth.
V-Shaped Valley
In inland areas with high elevations, the river usually flows swiftly. The water has more energy. The flowing water cuts downwards into the earth and carries away pieces of the earth’s surface. Valleys formed in this manner usually have a V-shape.
U-Shaped Valley
When the water reaches lowland areas, it loses energy. The river flows more slowly. Sometimes, the river begins to meander and moves from side to side. Instead of a straight line, the river looks like a snake. The river begins to cut horizontally into the earth. It begins to wear down the hills and mountains on the sides of the river. Valleys formed in this manner usually have a U-shape.
Alluvial Plain
As the water reaches the coast, the valley ends. The more common landform now is the plain. The river’s water loses most of its energy and deposits the earth that it is carrying. This produces an alluvial plain. In many places around the world, these alluvial plains were the centers of early human civilization.
The Valley as a Glacial Landform
Valleys may also be created by glaciers. A glacier is a mass of ice that moves slowly across the surface of the earth. Like a river, a glacier may cut into the earth and carry away pieces of the earth’s surface. Valleys created by glaciers usually have a U-shape.
Reflections
Vocabulary
- alluvial plain
- fluvial landform
- valley
Notes
- A valley is a depression in the earth between two hills or mountains.
- Most valleys are fluvial landforms and created by rivers.
- Valleys are also be created by glaciers.
