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Chapter 3: Problem 15

Which of the following was most likely formed via the action and movement of a glacier? A. V-shaped valley B. volcano C. U-shaped valley D. plateau

Short Answer

Expert verified
C. U-shaped valley

Step by step solution

01

- Understanding Glacier Formation

Glaciers are large masses of ice that move slowly over land. As they move, they erode the underlying rock and soil, shaping the landscape.
02

- Identify the Landscape Features

Review the provided options: V-shaped valley, volcano, U-shaped valley, and plateau. Determine which of these landscape features could be shaped by the movement of a glacier.
03

- Review Each Option

Evaluate each option: A. V-shaped valleys are typically formed by the erosion caused by rivers and streams. B. Volcanoes are formed due to tectonic activity, not glaciers. C. U-shaped valleys are formed by the erosive action of glaciers that widen and deepen valleys they move through. D. Plateaus are flat, elevated areas formed by various geological processes but not typically by glaciers.
04

- Conclusion

Based on the evaluations, a U-shaped valley is most likely formed via the action and movement of a glacier.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

glaciers
Glaciers are massive, slow-moving bodies of ice that accumulate from compacted snow. They are capable of shaping landscapes through powerful erosive processes. Glaciers form in places where the accumulation of snow exceeds its melting over many years. As the snow gets buried, it compresses into ice and begins to move under its own weight.
Over time, this movement can severely alter the surrounding geography. There are two primary types of glaciers: continental and alpine glaciers.
  • Continental glaciers cover vast areas and are found in Greenland and Antarctica.
  • Alpine glaciers, smaller by comparison, form in mountainous regions and carve out unique landforms.
When these glaciers move, they exert tremendous pressure on the ground beneath them, grinding and eroding the rock and soil.
U-shaped valley
A U-shaped valley, also known as a glacial trough, is a classic landform created by the erosive action of glaciers. Unlike V-shaped valleys, which are carved by rivers and have sharp, narrow profiles, U-shaped valleys are characterized by their broad, rounded profiles. These valleys form as glaciers move through pre-existing valleys, eroding the sides and bottom equally.
The powerful grinding action of the glacier scrapes and polishes the valley floor and sides, widening and deepening it in the process. The outcome is a smooth, U-shaped cross-section. Typical features within U-shaped valleys often include:
  • Hanging valleys - smaller tributary valleys elevated above the main U-shaped valley
  • Glacial troughs - the deep, main valley itself
  • Striations - scratches or grooves on the valley floor, left by moving glaciers
erosion
Erosion is the process by which soil, rock, and other surface material are transported away from one location to another. Glacial erosion, specifically, is driven by the mechanical force of moving ice. As glaciers advance over land, they remove material through two main mechanisms:
  • Plucking - where chunks of rock are lifted out of the ground as the glacier moves over them.
  • Abrasion - where rocks and debris embedded in the glacier scour and grind away at the underlying surface.
These processes contribute to the formation of various glacial landforms, including U-shaped valleys. With their immense weight and movement, glaciers can dramatically reshape entire landscapes, carrying debris over long distances and depositing it in new locations when they melt.

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