They are called hanging valleys. The smaller glacier valleys are the hanging walls that join the deeper main valley called the U-shaped valley.
Smaller glacial valleys that join a deeper main valley are often referred to as tributary valleys or hanging valleys. These valleys typically form when smaller glaciers flow into a larger glacier, resulting in a steep drop-off where the tributary meets the main valley. As the main glacier erodes the landscape, it carves out a deeper trough, leaving the smaller valleys elevated, which can create stunning waterfalls when the tributary streams plunge into the main valley below. This geological feature is common in mountainous regions shaped by glacial activity.
u shaped valley..
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.
A U-Shaped Valley is formed by glacial erosion.
Glacial valleys (also known as glacial troughs) tend to be u-shaped, as opposed to river valleys which are v-shaped.
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 glacial valley is formed by the movement of glaciers, which carve out deep U-shaped valleys with steep sides and flat bottoms. A river valley, on the other hand, is formed by the erosion of flowing water over time, resulting in V-shaped valleys with narrower bottoms and less steep sides. Glacial valleys generally have a more pronounced U-shape and are wider compared to river valleys.
Hanging valleys are formed when smaller glaciers flowing from tributary valleys join a larger glacier in a main valley. As the larger glacier is more powerful, it erodes the main valley deeper than the tributary valleys. This results in the tributary valleys being left at higher elevations once the glaciers retreat, creating the characteristic "hanging" appearance.
Valleys can be formed by various factors, including water erosion, glacial activity, and wind erosion. Water eroded valleys are typically created by rivers or streams, while glacial valleys are carved out by moving glaciers. Wind can also contribute to valley formation through processes like deflation or abrasion.
Glacial valleys form through the process of glacial erosion, where the movement of a glacier carves and shapes the valley over time. As the glacier moves downhill, it picks up rocks and sediments, which act as abrasives that wear away the underlying rock. The downward pressure and friction of the glacier further deepen and widen the valley, creating a distinct U-shaped profile.
A glacial valley typically has a U-shaped cross-section, with steep walls and a flat or gently sloping bottom. These valleys often have a wide floor and are characteristic of being carved out by the movement of glaciers.
The plural form is valleys.