V-Shaped Valley Formation Steps

Step 1 of v-shaped valley In the upper course of a river there is lots of potential energy due to its height above sea level. This energy therefore allows the river to erode vertically downwards. Step 2 Abrasion is an important part of this process due to the large angular boulders...

Step 1 of v-shaped valley In the upper course of a river there is lots of potential energy due to its height above sea level. This energy therefore allows the river to erode vertically downwards. Step 2 Abrasion is an important part of this process due to the large angular boulders present in the river channel which are used to erode the river bed Step 3 Fast flowing turbulent water caused by the steep gradient leads to erosion by hydraulic action. This leads to lots of vertical erosion Step 4 The sides of the valley are weakened by weathering like freeze thaw weathering. Step 5 The weakened valley sides will eventually collapse downwards under the force of gravity through processes of mass movement such as landslides. THis mass movement adds bedload into the channel that the river can use to erode. Step 6 This creates a narrow, steep sided valley. This is known as a V-shaped valley. The river may have to flow around layers of harder, more resistant rock. These protrude into the river's course forming interlocking spurs.