U-shaped valleys

U-shaped valleys are wide, straight valleys with steep sides and a flat bottom, formed by the slow movement of glaciers over the landscape. As glaciers flow downhill, their immense weight erodes the rock and soil through abrasion and plucking, carving out a deep, U-shaped cross-section. These valleys typically have rounded bottoms and steep, straight walls, distinguishing them from V-shaped valleys created primarily by rivers. U-shaped valleys are common in regions that experienced significant glaciation during past ice ages and are clear evidence of the powerful erosive action of glaciers.