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What is a Valley?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A valley is an area of elongated lowland, typically surrounded by much higher hills or mountains. It is one of many geological features that make up the surface of the Earth, and it is of special interest and importance to humans, thanks to the fact that valleys have a number of uses. This landform is also quite abundant.

Some geologists break up valleys by type on the basis of how they are formed. A rift valley is formed through separation of the Earth's crust, caused by violent tectonic movements; a notable example is the Great Rift Valley in Africa. A glacial valley is on that has been formed by a glacier; they are especially common in Europe and have a distinctive U-shaped profile when viewed in cross-section. River valleys are formed through the slow process of erosion by water over the course of centuries, and they typically have a V-shaped profile.

Humans have historically used the lower altitudes of valleys for settlement in mountainous regions.
Humans have historically used the lower altitudes of valleys for settlement in mountainous regions.

Unlike a canyon, a valley is broad, with a large area of floor, rather than a narrow profile. Valleys are generally easy to navigate, and they tend to have a different climate than the surrounding area. It is also common for them to have rich deposits of alluvial mud, making these areas ideal for agriculture. As a result, many human civilizations have settled in valleys, taking advantage of the rivers which often wind through them as a source of water.

Valleys are located between mountains and elevated regions.
Valleys are located between mountains and elevated regions.

Viewed from overhead, a valley often stands out from the surrounding terrain because it has different plant life than the surrounding hills and mountains. This can cause the area to appear lighter in color than the surrounding land, especially when the valley has been cultivated or shaped by humans in some way. The sloping sides also tend to give it away, leading the eye to the deepest part of the floor.

A mountain with several valleys.
A mountain with several valleys.

Valleys also have unique weather because their sloping sides can trap hot air, causing the area to warm up considerably in the summer. A valley may also act to trap fog and low-lying clouds, creating a very misty environment. People who live there often bemoan their unique weather, with some people choosing to live on the sloping sides to avoid the stagnant weather conditions which may abound at the floor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a valley and how is it formed?

River valleys can be transformed into reserve basins for dams, as is what happened when the Hoover Dam created Lake Mead.
River valleys can be transformed into reserve basins for dams, as is what happened when the Hoover Dam created Lake Mead.

A valley is a low area between hills or mountains, typically with a river or stream flowing through it. Valleys are formed by erosional processes due to the action of water and ice over time. Glacial valleys, for instance, are carved by the slow movement of glaciers, while river valleys are shaped by the flow of rivers cutting through the rock.

What are the different types of valleys?

Many traditional Navajo live within the boundaries of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, an area along the Arizona-Utah border than is known for its striking beauty.
Many traditional Navajo live within the boundaries of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, an area along the Arizona-Utah border than is known for its striking beauty.

Valleys come in various shapes and sizes, influenced by their geological formation processes. The most common types include V-shaped valleys, formed by river erosion, and U-shaped valleys, carved by glaciers. There are also rift valleys, created by the divergence of tectonic plates, and box valleys with steep walls and a flat bottom.

How do valleys affect local climates?

Valleys can significantly impact local climates by funneling winds, altering precipitation patterns, and creating microclimates. For example, valleys can lead to increased rainfall on their windward slopes due to orographic lift, where moist air rises and cools, releasing precipitation. Conversely, the leeward side may experience a rain shadow effect, resulting in drier conditions.

Can valleys influence biodiversity?

Yes, valleys can greatly influence biodiversity. Their unique topography and microclimates can create diverse habitats that support a wide range of plant and animal species. Valleys often serve as corridors for wildlife movement and can act as refuges for species during extreme weather, contributing to higher biodiversity compared to surrounding areas.

What is the largest valley on Earth?

The largest valley on Earth is the Rift Valley, which stretches over 6,000 kilometers (approximately 3,700 miles) from Jordan in the Middle East, through eastern Africa, down to Mozambique. This vast geographical trench is a result of tectonic plate movements and is home to unique ecosystems and rich biodiversity.

How do human activities impact valleys?

Human activities can have significant impacts on valleys, often leading to habitat destruction, pollution, and altered water flow. Urbanization, agriculture, and dam construction can change the natural landscape, disrupt ecosystems, and threaten the species that rely on valley habitats. Sustainable practices are crucial to preserving these important geological features and their biodiversity.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AllThingsNature researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

StarJo

I don't live near any mountains, but I do live in an area that has hills with steep valleys. I've heard these called gullies and ravines, but both terms are incorrect.

Gullies are formed by quick moving storm water, and ravines are formed by rivers. These hillside valleys don't have any water running through them. They are usually covered in kudzu and shaded by trees.

cloudel

I have a fear of heights, so I love valleys! When I went on vacation with my family last year, they wanted to hike up the mountain, so I told them just to leave me in the valley to explore.

I think that the plant life down there was so much more beautiful than the trees and snow on the mountains. I saw all kinds of brightly colored flowers, and the grass had never looked so green anywhere else.

I had a great view of the mountainside, but I didn't have to climb it. I enjoyed my time in the valley very much.

lighth0se33

@wavy58 – I think valleys are warmer because the wind can't get to them and cool them off. I know that when I go around to the south side of my house in winter where the wind can't reach me, I stay a lot warmer, and this is because the heat is stuck there. The cold wind can't reach it to blow it away.

wavy58

I think it's strange that valleys are full of trapped warm air. I've always heard that warm air rises and cool air sinks, since cool air is heavier, so it would seem that cold air would fall into the valley and become trapped.

However, I also know that it is cooler at higher elevations, like on top of mountains. I just don't get how this is possible, since cooler air is supposed to sink!

GrumpyGuppy

@dill1971: Death Valley (it is a valley) is actually a long depression set in barren and unpopulated country. It is over 130 miles long but only 12 miles wide. From an elevation at 1000 meters at the northern end, the land slopes down and for 70 miles, the floor is below sea level. It reaches a low point of -86 meters at Badwater. Badwater is the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere.

WaterHopper

@dill1971: Yes, Death Valley is an actual valley. The valley is a narrow and long basin that is 282 feet below sea level and surrounded by steep, high mountain ranges.

Death Valley is the best geological example of a basin and range configuration. It lies at the south end of the geological through known as Walker Lane, which runs into Oregon.

Death Valley’s shape and depth influence the temperatures during the summer. The air, being clean and dry, along with sparse plant life, allows sunlight to heat the desert surface. Night time doesn’t provide much relief. The overnight lows often only dip down into the high 80’s and low 90’s. Masses of super-heated air blow through Death Valley, creating extremely high temperatures.

dill1971

Is Death Valley in California an actual valley or is that just its name?

anon68235

this is a great site.

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    • Humans have historically used the lower altitudes of valleys for settlement in mountainous regions.
      By: mimadeo
      Humans have historically used the lower altitudes of valleys for settlement in mountainous regions.
    • Valleys are located between mountains and elevated regions.
      By: mimadeo
      Valleys are located between mountains and elevated regions.
    • A mountain with several valleys.
      By: Aaron Ostrovsky
      A mountain with several valleys.
    • River valleys can be transformed into reserve basins for dams, as is what happened when the Hoover Dam created Lake Mead.
      By: William Warby
      River valleys can be transformed into reserve basins for dams, as is what happened when the Hoover Dam created Lake Mead.
    • Many traditional Navajo live within the boundaries of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, an area along the Arizona-Utah border than is known for its striking beauty.
      By: dade72
      Many traditional Navajo live within the boundaries of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, an area along the Arizona-Utah border than is known for its striking beauty.