As the glaciers ooze, they pick up rocks and grind away at the valley floor and sides, pressing the "V" into a "U." When the glacier melts, a U-shaped valley marks the spot where the snow and ice once flowed. Side valleys are formed by tributaries to streams and rivers and feed the main stem. read more
There are three common types of valleys which include V-shaped valleys, U-shaped valleys, and flat-floored valleys. V-Shaped Valleys A V-shaped valley, sometimes called a river valley, is a narrow valley with steeply sloped sides that appear similar to the letter "V" from a cross-section. read more
A valley is a low area between hills or mountains often with a river running through it. In geology, a valley or dale is a depression that is longer than it is wide. The terms U-shaped and V-shaped are descriptive terms of geography to characterize the form of valleys. read more
V-shaped valleys are formed by the erosive effects of running water and U-shaped valleys are formed by the erosive effects of flowing glacial ice. Rift valleys occur as lithospheric plates are diverging, creating a gap between land masses which is being infilled with rising decompression melted basaltic magma and lava. read more
A rift valley is formed when pieces of the Earth's crust move apart from each other. V-shaped valleys are formed by the erosive effects of running water and U-shaped valleys are formed by the erosive effects of flowing glacial ice. read more
Valleys are one of the most common landforms on the Earth and they are formed through erosion or the gradual wearing down of the land by wind and water. In river valleys for example, the river acts as an erosional agent by grinding down the rock or soil and creating a valley. read more