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Difficulty: EasyLandform Evolution by Running Water and Underground Water

Which of the following landforms is formed in the upper course of a river primarily by active vertical erosion?

  1. V-shaped valleyAnswer
  2. B
    Delta
  3. C
    Scree slope
  4. D
    Limestone cave

Answer

V-shaped valley
In the upper course of a river, steep slopes cause rapid streamflow that drives energetic vertical erosion. As the river deepens its bed, weathering and mass wasting loosen materials along the sides, producing a steep-sided V-shaped valley profile.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the dominant river process and course stage
The upper course stage features steep gradients, fast flow velocity, and downward channel incision (vertical erosion).
River kinetic energy in the upper course is mainly directed toward deepening the valley bed.
2
Determine the resulting morphological feature
Deepening of the stream bed combined with weathering of upper valley sides produces a narrow V-shaped valley.
Vertical hydraulic action and corrasion cut downward while mass movement slumps the valley slopes inward.

Key Concept

Upper river course erosion and landform development
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Topics

Landform Evolution by Running Water and Underground Water

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