Formation of a v-shaped valley

Question 1

Step one (erosional processes that begin v-shaped valley formation)

Answer 1

Due to the steep gradient in the upper course of the river, the main process that forms a v-shaped valley is vertical erosion
The erosional processes are: HYDRAULIC ACTION (sheer force of water breaks apart rocks and air bubbles get into the rock and crack it), CORRASION (rock scrapes and wears away the river bed) and SOLUTION (minerals and sediment are dissolved in the water flow).
As the river flows and cuts down the rock, the valley sides are exposed

Question 2

Step two (continued weathering)

Answer 2

Valley sides are exposed to weathering, by processes such as FREEZE THAW (when water seeps into the cracks in rocks, freezes and expands overnight, and cracks the rock). This begins to weaken the rock on the valley sides

Question 3

Step three (transportation of materials)

Answer 3

Destabilised materials from the valley slides fall into the river and are transported downstream. The loose rock that falls into the river may be used for CORRASION of the valley floor and sides

Question 4

Step four (

Answer 4

Repeated weathering and the removal of material causes the valley to become v-shaped. Due to hard, resistant rocks in the upper course, valley sides are not widened great, and so the slopes remain steep

Question 5

Interlocking spurs

Answer 5

Ridges of more resistant rock around which a river is forced to wind as it passes downstream, are called interlocking spurs