“V” Shaped ValleyNarrow, deep, steep sided valley, vertical erosion is the major process.
Note the lack of flat land in the bottom of the valley (vertical not lateral erosion)
R TEES Upland Valley
Steep Valley Sides
Vertical erosion is the major process, so the slopes are steep.
Note much evidence of erosion & landslides.
Interlocking Spurs
• In the Upper Course, the river is fast flowing, but there is little water and load. The river is often called a stream and does not have the erosive power to remove the hillsides (spurs), but erodes downwards instead.
EROSION TYPE: Vertical and Headward
Potholes
These circular depressions are formed by abrasion
The river currents swirl pebbles around, which drill holes in the river bed (Vertical erosion).
WaterfallsThese are typical of upland rivers.
Here the river passes over a hard CAP rock.
Below the cap rock is a softer, more easily erodable rock
High Force, R. Tees
Waterfalls 3•As the waterfall retreats upstream it leaves behind a narrow, steep sided valley or GORGE
•Vertical & headward erosion
FILM
Summary of Valley Characteristics
Narrow, deep steep sided “V”shape valley, vertical erosion dominant
Interlocking spurs
Slumping and landslides - very active hill slopes (steep slopes)
Narrow, shallow channel, low velocity and discharge
Large bed load (boulders) derived from upstream and from valley sides
Not shown on this are Potholes & Waterfalls