A stream valley forms through the process of erosion, where flowing water carves out the landscape, creating a channel and shaping the surrounding terrain. The depth of downcutting depends on factors such as the stream's velocity, sediment load, and the geology of the area; streams in soft rock may create deeper valleys than those in harder rock. Over time, the valley may widen and evolve through various processes, including lateral erosion and sediment deposition. Ultimately, the depth and profile of a stream valley can vary significantly based on these environmental factors.
A stream valley is usually 'V' shaped, formed by erosion from a stream. A glacial valley is usually 'U' shaped, formed by the action of a glacier.
A narrow V-shaped valley.
A rift valley
Yosemite Valley in California is a well-known example of a v-shaped valley. It was formed by the erosive action of glaciers over thousands of years, resulting in steep valley walls that come together to form a V shape.
Streams are formed when water cuts through the ground. This water wears away a path which then turns into a stream.
In the water
A stream flowing down a mountain is moving to fast to form meanders.
Contour lines will bend and point upstream to form a "V" shape when crossing a stream valley on a topographic map. The V-shape indicates the direction of the stream flow and shows the gradual slope of the valley.
A stream is most likely to form a narrow valley in areas with steep topography, such as mountainous or hilly regions. As the stream flows downhill, it erodes the surrounding rock and soil more rapidly, creating a V-shaped valley. This process is enhanced by factors like the geology of the area, which may include harder rock that resists erosion. Over time, the continuous flow of water carves out a narrow and steep-sided valley.
The deep valley that lies along the east coast of Africa is called the East African Rift Valley. It is a tectonic plate boundary where the African Plate is splitting into two, causing the valley to form.
· The stream will erode down through its bed to achieve the base level of erosion throughout its course. If this base level is low, then the stream will rapidly cut through underlying strata and have a steep gradient, and if the base level is relatively high, then the stream will form a flood plain and meander. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stream
A braided stream is a stream that has small channel capacity with respect to its sediment supply. Basically, there is not sufficient room within the stream valley to deposit all of the sediment and therefore, small islands of sediment form within the stream giving it a braided appearance. Braided streams generally occur at high gradients.