Book 19, Question 8
Why Are River Valleys Shaped Like a V in the Mountains but Wide Near the Sea?
High in the hills, a river valley looks like the letter V! Near the sea it is wide and flat. The shape depends on whether the river is cutting down or swinging sideways.
More fun facts
- Rivers start high in the mountains and flow quickly downhill.
- There, they cut down into the land and carve deep V-shaped valleys.
- Mountain valleys often have steep walls and a narrow channel.
- Out on the plains, the slopes are gentle and the channel is wide.
- Some mountain valleys are later reshaped by glaciers.
Sources: National Geographic, BBC, BBC
Questions kids ask
Why are mountain valleys shaped like a V?
Rivers flow quickly downhill in the mountains and cut down into the land, carving deep V-shaped valleys.