a "V"
A valley carved by a stream in high mountains typically has a V-shaped profile, with steep sides and a narrow bottom. This shape is a result of the erosive power of the stream cutting down into the landscape over time, creating a deep, narrow channel.
A stream-carved valley typically has a V-shape with a narrower and deeper profile due to the erosive force of flowing water. In contrast, a glacial-carved valley has a U-shape with a wider and shallower profile due to the movement of glaciers scooping out the landscape.
The shape of a valley carved by a glacier is U shaped. A valley carved by a river is V shaped.
Cirques are the rounded basins carved into the sides of mountains by valley glaciers. They are typically characterized by steep walls and a bowl-like shape. The process of glacial erosion forming cirques is known as plucking and abrasion.
A V-shaped cross-section would best represent the valley shape where a rapidly flowing stream is cutting into the bedrock in a mountainous area. The steep sides of the V-shape are characteristic of valleys formed by erosion from fast-flowing streams in mountainous terrain.
A stream valley typically has a V-shape, while a glacial valley has a U-shape. This difference in shape is due to the different erosional processes involved. Stream valleys are eroded mainly by flowing water, while glacial valleys are shaped by the movement of glaciers that scrape and pluck rock and sediment.
A stream shaped valley is usually 'V' shaped. A glacier formed valley is usually 'U' shaped.
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.
The Sacramento Valley is primarily a flat, broad valley rather than being distinctly U-shaped or V-shaped. It was formed by the sedimentation from rivers and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains, resulting in a relatively gentle topography. While certain tributaries may have carved V-shaped valleys, the overall shape of the Sacramento Valley is more representative of a broad basin.
Valley
The stream valley will likely have a V-shaped profile characterized by steep sides and a narrow channel due to the primary work of downward erosion cutting towards base level. This shape results from the stream's ability to efficiently remove material through hydraulic action, abrasion, and corrosion. As the stream continues to erode downwards, the valley may deepen and widen over time.
A glacier-eroded valley will typically have a U-shape with steep sides and a flat bottom, while a stream-eroded valley usually has a V-shape with a narrow channel and wider floodplain. Glacier-eroded valleys are often much larger in scale and can be sculpted by the movement of thick ice over long periods of time, whereas stream-eroded valleys are shaped by the gradual erosion caused by flowing water.