incised river theory

The incised river theory explains how rivers can create deep valleys or gorges in their landscapes. As land rises due to tectonic activity or changes in sea level, rivers cut through the rising terrain, eroding the rocks and soil. Over time, instead of spreading out over a floodplain, the river becomes "incised" or entrenched, meaning it flows lower than the surrounding land, forming steep sides. This process can result in dramatic landscapes, highlighting the dynamic interactions between rivers and the Earth's surface over geological time.