⚙️ how
How do glaciers turn mountain valleys into U-shapes?
GeographyMountains
Quick Answer
Glaciers widen and deepen river valleys by grinding the floor and steepening the walls as ice flows through them.
The Full Story
Before glaciation, mountain rivers typically carve narrow V-shaped valleys. When a glacier occupies the valley, its thick ice presses against the bedrock, plucking blocks from the sides and abrading the floor with rock debris. Because the glacier fills the whole valley, it erodes both the bottom and the sides, broadening the profile into a U-shape. After the ice melts, the valley may remain steep-sided and flat-floored for millions of years. This landform is one of the clearest signs of past alpine glaciation.
Key Facts
1.Rivers make V-shaped valleys
2.Glaciers transform them into U-shaped valleys
3.The process leaves steep sides and a broad floor
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"Why glaciers carve mountain valleys into giant U’s"