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Compare erosion caused by rivers and erosion caused by glaciers?
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
Erosion by rivers is faster because the processes carried out by rivers are far faster; for example, a river meander may move to the other side of the valley in a decade, yet a glacial trough may not widen by a single centimeter in the same time. However, you should also note that the landscapes caused by glaciers can form in a shorter period of time, and be far more impressive, but this is not the rule.
You will also notice that the features caused by glacial erosion are a lot cruder than those from rivers: compare the Grand Canyon and any glacial trough, the one I know best is Nant Ffrancon in Snowdonia, though I'm sure there's another near you. You can see that the Grand Canyon is far rougher, but also more intricate: there are stacks, as well as other features (as I am not particularly familiar with the Canyon). Nant Ffrancon, on the other hand it just a simple trough - a U-shaped valley. It is very different.
You may also note that glacial erosion is greatly affected by weathering. It was pointed out to me that one side of Nant Ffrancon was steeper than the other. This is as a result of the sun causing more melting of the ice on one side than the other. A river acts quickly and so is not nearly as affected by such factors, if at all affected.
Here are just a few comparisons between the two.
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
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Are valleys formed your erosion or weathering?
Erosion and weathering: Glaciers form 'U'-shaped valleys, while rivers form 'V'-shaped valleys.
Does a mountain erode?
Mountains erode continuously. Erosion may be by water (rain or rivers), ice (glaciers) or wind.
What type of erosion is similar to using sandpaper to smooth the edges of wood?
The erosive process of abrasion, which occurs in rivers and glaciers, is compared widely to sandpaper.
How is weathered rock move?
The process of weathered rock being moved is called erosion. Weathered rock can be moved by strong winds, rivers and runoff, or even glaciers.
What kind of erosion occurs in rivers?
erosion.
How is erosion caused by rivers different than erosion caused by glaciers?
the cause by the change of the earth
What do rivers glaciers wind and waves cause?
Weathering and Erosion.
Can mountains cause erosion?
No, it is they that are eroded by such things as rain, rivers and glaciers.
Are valleys formed your erosion or weathering?
Erosion and weathering: Glaciers form 'U'-shaped valleys, while rivers form 'V'-shaped valleys.
Does a mountain erode?
Mountains erode continuously. Erosion may be by water (rain or rivers), ice (glaciers) or wind.
Most canyons are the results of erosion caused by what?
running, water, ocean ,rivers
What works very rapidly with erosion?
An unusually rainy period can cause rivers to overflow their banks and flood the areas surrounding them. The erosion, caused by rivers, can happen very quick.
Which process formed the rocks layers in the canyon wall?
The majority of canyons are formed by long-time erosion. Rivers flowing, glaciers moving, and earthquakes can all result in canyon formation.
What type of erosion is similar to using sandpaper to smooth the edges of wood?
The erosive process of abrasion, which occurs in rivers and glaciers, is compared widely to sandpaper.
What are the rivers of ice in antarctica called?
i think the rivers of ice in Antarctica are called glaciers.
How glaciers and rivers affect rocks?
glaciers move them downhill and scratch the surface of the valley from a river 'v' to a glacial 'u' they also move lots of rocks. rivers move rocks downstream the higher upstream the more rough and sharp edged they are, downstream they are smoother and rounder due to erosion.
How does a stream widen its valley?
Valleys deepening and widening are caused by several factors. V-shaped valleys are caused by forces such as erosion and rivers. Valleys are not at all formed by rivers. Valleys that are not V-shaped were formerly occupied by glaciers and are characteristically U-shaped, formed by the huge bodies of ice that moved along; they carved the valleys as they passed, carrying away giant boulders and huge amounts of debris.
