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4
0
K
Kate Johnston
13/08/2025
Biology
U Shape Valley Formation
52
•
13 Aug 2025
•
How Glaciers Make U Shaped Valleys, Drumlin and Moraine Fun Facts
K
Kate Johnston
@katejohnston_eeil
U-Shaped Valley Formation and Glacial Landforms
This page discusses the formation of U-shaped valleys by glaciers and introduces two important glacial depositional features: terminal moraines and drumlins.
U-Shaped Valley Formation
U-shaped valleys are formed when glaciers erode and modify pre-existing V-shaped river valleys. The process involves several key mechanisms:
-
Glacial flow: The weight of the glacier causes it to flow downhill, following existing V-shaped valleys.
-
Erosion of valley sides:
- Plucking: Ice freezes onto rocks and pulls them away from the valley sides, steepening them.
- Abrasion: Angular rocks embedded in the ice scrape the valley floor, deepening it.
-
Truncation of spurs: The glacier cuts off interlocking spurs as it flows downhill, leaving truncated spurs.
-
Hanging valleys: Smaller tributary glaciers create shallower valleys that "hang" above the main U-shaped valley.
Vocabulary: Plucking - The process where ice freezes onto rocks and pulls them away from the valley sides.
Vocabulary: Abrasion - The process where rocks embedded in the ice scrape and erode the valley floor.
The final shape and width of the glacial trough depend on factors such as rock type and the intensity of glacial erosion. Some sections of the valley floor may be over-deepened due to differential erosion, potentially forming ribbon lakes.
Example: Langdale Valley is an example of a U-shaped valley.
Terminal Moraine
A terminal moraine is a ridge of glacial deposits that forms across a valley, marking the furthest extent of a glacier's advance. Key characteristics include:
- Composition: Unsorted glacial till or boulder clay
- Formation: As the glacier moves downhill, it pushes sediment in front of its snout
- Deposition: Occurs when the glacier melts and loses power at lower altitudes
- Post-glacial feature: Can form a natural dam, creating a ribbon lake after ice retreat
Definition: Terminal moraine - A ridge of glacial deposits marking the furthest point reached by a glacier.
Drumlins
Drumlins are elongated hills composed of unsorted glacial deposits. Their formation and characteristics include:
- Shape: Streamlined, with a steep slope (stoss) facing up-valley and a gentler slope (lee) facing down-valley
- Formation: Created when a glacier becomes overloaded with sediment and deposits it, reshaping it as it flows over
- Distribution: Often found in groups called "swarms" or in a "basket of eggs" topography
- Modification: May be reshaped by further ice movements after initial deposition
Highlight: The unique shape of drumlins, with a steep up-valley face and gentler down-valley slope, provides evidence of the direction of past glacial movement.
Understanding these glacial landforms helps geographers and geologists reconstruct past ice movements and climate conditions, providing valuable insights into Earth's geological history.
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
How Glaciers Make U Shaped Valleys, Drumlin and Moraine Fun Facts
K
Kate Johnston
@katejohnston_eeil
Glacial landforms like U-shaped valleys, terminal moraines, and drumlinsare key features shaped by the powerful erosive and depositional forces of glaciers. These formations provide important evidence of past glacial activity and help us understand the Earth's geomorphological... Show more
U-Shaped Valley Formation and Glacial Landforms
This page discusses the formation of U-shaped valleys by glaciers and introduces two important glacial depositional features: terminal moraines and drumlins.
U-Shaped Valley Formation
U-shaped valleys are formed when glaciers erode and modify pre-existing V-shaped river valleys. The process involves several key mechanisms:
-
Glacial flow: The weight of the glacier causes it to flow downhill, following existing V-shaped valleys.
-
Erosion of valley sides:
- Plucking: Ice freezes onto rocks and pulls them away from the valley sides, steepening them.
- Abrasion: Angular rocks embedded in the ice scrape the valley floor, deepening it.
-
Truncation of spurs: The glacier cuts off interlocking spurs as it flows downhill, leaving truncated spurs.
-
Hanging valleys: Smaller tributary glaciers create shallower valleys that "hang" above the main U-shaped valley.
Vocabulary: Plucking - The process where ice freezes onto rocks and pulls them away from the valley sides.
Vocabulary: Abrasion - The process where rocks embedded in the ice scrape and erode the valley floor.
The final shape and width of the glacial trough depend on factors such as rock type and the intensity of glacial erosion. Some sections of the valley floor may be over-deepened due to differential erosion, potentially forming ribbon lakes.
Example: Langdale Valley is an example of a U-shaped valley.
Terminal Moraine
A terminal moraine is a ridge of glacial deposits that forms across a valley, marking the furthest extent of a glacier's advance. Key characteristics include:
- Composition: Unsorted glacial till or boulder clay
- Formation: As the glacier moves downhill, it pushes sediment in front of its snout
- Deposition: Occurs when the glacier melts and loses power at lower altitudes
- Post-glacial feature: Can form a natural dam, creating a ribbon lake after ice retreat
Definition: Terminal moraine - A ridge of glacial deposits marking the furthest point reached by a glacier.
Drumlins
Drumlins are elongated hills composed of unsorted glacial deposits. Their formation and characteristics include:
- Shape: Streamlined, with a steep slope (stoss) facing up-valley and a gentler slope (lee) facing down-valley
- Formation: Created when a glacier becomes overloaded with sediment and deposits it, reshaping it as it flows over
- Distribution: Often found in groups called "swarms" or in a "basket of eggs" topography
- Modification: May be reshaped by further ice movements after initial deposition
Highlight: The unique shape of drumlins, with a steep up-valley face and gentler down-valley slope, provides evidence of the direction of past glacial movement.
Understanding these glacial landforms helps geographers and geologists reconstruct past ice movements and climate conditions, providing valuable insights into Earth's geological history.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user