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Difficulty: MediumLandform Development by Wind Action and Glaciation

In a glaciated mountain region, a massive main-trunk glacier erodes its valley far deeper than smaller feeder glaciers. Upon deglaciation, the tributary valleys remain perched high above the main trough floor, typically featuring plunging waterfalls. Which landform does this description represent?

  1. Hanging valleyAnswer
  2. B
    Oxbow lake
  3. C
    Scree slope
  4. D
    Delta

Answer

Hanging valley
A hanging valley forms when a main trunk glacier erodes its valley floor much deeper than smaller tributary glaciers. When the ice melts, the floor of the tributary valley is left suspended high above the main glacial trough, often giving rise to waterfalls.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the landform features described in the stem
The landform is located in a glaciated mountain valley, sits elevated above the main valley floor, and creates waterfalls where streams flow out of it.
Main trunk glaciers possess far greater volume and erosive capacity than tributary glaciers, gouging the main trough much deeper.
2
Identify the specific geological feature and rule out non-glacial processes
Differential ice erosion between main and tributary glaciers forms a hanging valley. Oxbow lakes and deltas are river features, while scree slopes result from mass wasting.
Perched tributary troughs created by differential glacial deepening are uniquely classified as hanging valleys.

Key Concept

Hanging Valley Formation in Glacial Troughs
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Landform Development by Wind Action and Glaciation

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