Erosional Valley Landscape

This is a valley landscape created by the erosional action of a river. The Grand Canyon in Colorado, United States, is a typical erosional valley. The morphology of an erosional valley can change based on the hard and soft rock strata in the valley. When alternating hard and soft strata lie horizontally, the valley will appear to be composed of steep cliffs and platforms in alternating layers. The Grand Canyon is an example of this type. If the strata dip, the valley will appear to be composed of wide and narrow strata in alternating layers along the longitudinal profile. In general, in areas with soft rocks, the valley will be wider with a gentle river gradient and meandering course. In areas with resistant rocks, the valley will be narrower with a steep riverbed and a straight channel (Fig. 8).

Fig. 8

Erosional valley