Landforms

Landforms

Canyon, delta, u shaped valley, sand dune.

A canyon is usually formed by a river cutting through layers of rock over a long period of time. They form in dry areas where there is less vegetation to prevent erosion. Wind and water work together to chip away at the canyon walls and carry the sediments away.

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​Canyon

Hotspot

Which of the following are related to the formation of canyons?

A delta is formed at the mouth of a river where the river flows into another body of water. The river’s current picks up and carries sediments to the mouth of the river. When the current slows down the sediment is deposited. As more and more sediment is deposited, land will begin to build up. Most deltas form a triangular shaped land mass.

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​Delta

Hotspot

Which of the following is related to the formation of deltas?

​Sand dunes can be found along coasts, along a dried up lake or river bed, or an open sandy area with little vegetation. They are formed by wind moving loose sand until it is stopped by an obstacle which could be a rock or a tree. Vegetation growing in the sand dunes can help anchor the dunes.

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Sand Dune

Hotspot

Which of the following is related to the formation of sand dunes?

When glaciers flow downward they result in valleys with wide bottoms and steep straight sides, forming a characteristic U-shape. Ice mixed with sand, rocks and boulders found at the glacier's bottom and sides, carve out the valley like a scouring pad as the heavy glacier slowly moves.

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​U-Shaped (glacial) Valley

Hotspot

Which of the following is related to the formation of u-shaped valleys?