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Valley Facts & Worksheets

A valley is an elongated low-lying area of land situated between ranges of hills or mountains. Valleys are geological formations commonly through erosion from rivers or streams over a long time.

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A valley is an elongated low-lying area of land situated between ranges of hills or mountains. Valleys are geological formations commonly through erosion from rivers or streams over a long time. They occur in a relatively flat plain. The three main types include V-shaped or river valleys, U-shaped or glacial valleys, and flat-floored valleys. Other types include hanging valleys, tunnel valleys, rift valleys, trough-shaped valleys, and box valleys.

See the fact file below for more information on Valleys, or you can download our 27-page Valley worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

FORMATION OF VALLEYS

  • Valleys form through different natural processes, including erosion by moving water or glaciers and tectonic movement.
  • The steeper a hill or mountain is, the faster the water flows, and the deeper the valley can form.
  • The moving water may be from rain, snow, and melting ice.
  • The most common process is when valleys arise from erosion by rivers or streams over a long period, resulting in river valleys.
  • Streams running through small valleys commonly flow into larger valleys, then cascade into even larger valleys.
  • Eventually, the stream reaches the ocean or a drainage basin.
  • In high-altitude areas, valleys are formed by erosion through massive sheets of ice called glaciers, resulting in glacial valleys.
  • Blocks of ice and snow gradually inch downhill as they gather up rocks.
  • Subsequently, these moving glaciers erode the valley floor and sides until they melt, leaving a U-shaped valley where the ice and snow once were.
  • Side valleys arise from tributaries to rivers and streams.
  • Waterfalls usually flow from these side valleys into the main valley.
  • There are times when a valley is not caused by erosion but by the meeting of two plates that do not fully touch.
  • Rifting of tectonic plates may also create valleys.
  • Valleys in mountainous regions are often narrow and have near-perpendicular walls, while the land is broader on flat plains.
  • The type of valley formed also depends on the topography, the types of rock present, and the climate of the area.

IMPORTANCE OF VALLEYS

  • Valleys, particularly river valleys, are vital to community development as they provide a steady supply of water.
  • River valleys and plains nourish soils, making the land rich and fertile where good quality crops can be grown.
  • Valleys can also make for a good location for homes because they provide shelter from strong winds and storms; however, valleys are susceptible to flooding.

RIVER VALLEYS

  •  A river valley is formed by erosion from a river or stream and tends to be V-shaped.
  • A more extended and wider river valley is called a vale.
  • Historically, the earliest civilizations settled close to rivers because there was a sufficient supply of drinking water and fertile land for crops in those areas.
  • Not all V-shaped valleys have running water situated through them; some are dry.
  • The characteristics of a V-shaped valley are affected by the climate, the kind of bedrock over which the river flows, and the height difference between the upper and lower parts.
  • Examples of V-shaped valleys include the Mississippi River Valley in the United States, the Yangtze River Valley in China, and the Muretto Pass in the Swiss Alps.

GLACIAL VALLEYS

  • True glacial valleys are formed by the erosion of a glacier, which may or may not still occupy the valley.
  • Glacial valleys are also referred to as U-shaped valleys, glacial troughs, and trough valleys.
  • True glacial valleys are formed by the erosion of a glacier, which may or may not still occupy the valley.
  • Glacial valleys are also referred to as U-shaped valleys, glacial troughs, and trough valleys.
  • Examples of glacial or U-shaped valleys are the Yosemite Valley in California, U.S.A., the Zezere Valley in Portugal, and the Nant Ffrancon Valley in Snowdonia, Wales.

FLAT-FLOORED VALLEYS

  • Flat-floored valleys are the most common type of valley.
  • A flat-floored valley arises from the action of flowing water like river valleys, but they are more pronounced and aged.
  • As the downward flow of moving water smoothes out and begins to streamline the V- or U- shaped valley, the valley floor widens.
  • Over time, the water erodes the soil in the valley, resulting in a broader valley floor.
  • The prior V- or U- shape of the valley evolves into a broad flat valley. 
  • A famous example of a flat-floored valley is the Nile River Valley in northeastern Africa.

MORE TYPES OF VALLEYS

  • The regional term for small valleys formed between hills or mountain ranges is a hollow.
  • A hanging valley is a tributary U-shaped valley that is higher than the main valley and is often found in elevated areas.
  • Hanging valleys tend to have waterfalls at their outlet. 
  • A rift valley is mainly created by the earth’s movements, not erosion.
  • Rift valleys occur when the tectonic plates expand the earth’s crust. 
  • A gorge is a very narrow valley with high side walls, while a deep and broad valley is called a canyon.
  • Giant valleys are created when the earth’s crust separates.
  • Sunken valleys are valleys that descend below sea level.
  • Steephead or blind valleys are deep, narrow, flat-floored valleys with an abrupt end.
  • Box valleys are broad, steep-sided, and level-floored valleys often located in periglacial regions.
  • Tunnel valleys are long, U-shaped valleys originally cut under the glacial ice escaping from beneath an ice sheet.
  • Dells are small, secluded, grassy, and often wooded valleys.

EXAMPLES OF VALLEYS

  • Famous examples of V-shaped valleys are the Iao Valley in Hawaii, the Black Canyon in Gunnison National Park, North America, the Upper Inn Valley in, Austria, and the Zurich Oberland in Switzerland.
  • Famous examples of canyons are the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA, the Colca Canyon in Peru,  the Waimea Canyon in Hawaii, the Charyn Canyon in Kazakhstan, and the Three Sisters Canyon in Megalong Valley, Australia. 
  • Famous examples of U-shaped valleys are the Zezere Valley in Portugal, the Matter Valley in Switzerland, and the Nant Ffrancon Valley in Wales.
  • Aside from the Nile River Valley, other examples of flat-floored valleys are the Danube Valley in Romania and the Ganges River Valley in India.
  • The Sydney Harbour in Australia is counted as a sunken valley.
  • An example of a rift valley is the Albertine Rift in Africa.

Valley Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Valleys across 27 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Valleys. A valley is an elongated low-lying area of land situated between ranges of hills or mountains. Valleys are geological formations commonly through erosion from rivers or streams over a long time.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Valley Facts
  2. Valley Vocabulary
  3. Valley or Invalid?
  4. Glacial Process
  5. Valley Visuals
  6. Valleys Around The Globe
  7. Value of Valleys
  8. Type Search
  9. Valley Crossword
  10. Poem About Valleys
  11. Choose and Tell

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a valley?

A valley is a low-lying area of land between mountains, hills, or ridges, typically with a river or stream flowing through it. Valleys are usually characterized by their U-shaped or V-shaped profiles and can vary in size from small, narrow valleys to large, expansive ones.

How are valleys formed?

Valleys can be formed through various geological processes. One common way is through erosion caused by rivers or glaciers. Over time, the flowing water or moving ice gradually wears away the land, creating a depression. Another way valleys can form is through tectonic activity, such as the shifting of tectonic plates, which can create fault valleys or grabens.

What are some famous valleys in the world?

  1. There are many famous valleys around the world. Here are a few examples:
  • The Grand Canyon in the United States is a massive and awe-inspiring valley carved by the Colorado River.
  • The Yosemite Valley in California is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and towering granite cliffs.
  • The Kathmandu Valley in Nepal is a culturally rich and densely populated valley surrounded by the Himalayas.
  • The Napa Valley in California is well-known for its vineyards and wine production.
  • The Valley of the Kings in Egypt is a historic valley where ancient Egyptian pharaohs were buried.

What is the ecological significance of valleys?

Valleys often support unique ecosystems and play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity. The lower elevations and water sources in valleys create different microclimates, allowing for the existence of diverse plant and animal species. Valleys can also serve as migration routes for wildlife, providing connectivity between different habitats. Additionally, valleys may be important agricultural areas, providing fertile soils and suitable conditions for farming.

How do valleys contribute to human activities?

Valleys have been important for human settlement and development throughout history. They provide fertile land for agriculture, as the soils in valleys are often rich in nutrients deposited by rivers. Valleys with water sources have also been crucial for establishing civilizations, as they provide water for drinking, irrigation, and transportation. Valleys often have favorable conditions for building infrastructure such as roads, railways, and cities due to their relatively flat terrain compared to surrounding mountainous regions. Additionally, valleys can offer recreational opportunities, such as hiking, camping, and tourism, due to their scenic beauty.

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Link will appear as Valley Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, July 19, 2023

Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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