Formation of a v-shaped valley

Question 1

1) Rivers begin high up in the mountains, TMT

Answer 1

they flow quickly downhill as vertical erosion.

Question 2

2) The river cuts a deep notch down into the landscape TIDT

Answer 2

abrasion, hydraulic action, solution + attrition.

Question 3

2) Abrasion - is where pebbles grind along the river bank / + bed by the movement of water TMT

Answer 3

it is like a sandpaper effect.

Question 4

2) Hydraulic action - this is the sheer power of the water as it smashes against the river banks. Air becomes trapped in cracks TMT

Answer 4

it causes ‘‘mini explosions’’ causing parts of the river bank to break away.

Question 5

3) As the river erodes downwards, the sides of the valley are exposed to freeze-thaw action, TMT

Answer 5

the rocks are loosened. Some of which will fall into the river + steepen the valley’s sides.

Question 6

4) Gradually, mass movement of the materials, slides down the valley slope, giving a distinctive v-shape. TMT

Answer 6

this material is gradually transported away by the river when there is enough energy.

Question 7

5) The rocks which have fallen into the river help with abrasion TMT

Answer 7

further erosion is caused.

Question 8

6) As the river flows through the valley, it is forced to swing from side to side around more resistant rock (spurs) TMT

Answer 8

this creates interlocking spurs.