Depression of the earth’s surface that manifests itself between two slopes in a sloping and elongated shape towards a sea, lake or endorheic basin
Valley is called that depression of the earth’s surface that manifests itself between two slopes in a sloping and elongated shape towards a sea, lake or endorheic basin, through which the waters of a river or the ice of a glacier generally transit, failing that . Among the main causes of its original formation are: fluvial erosion or mechanical weathering.
Most common types of valleys
There are different types of valleys, in which the different geographical contingencies will have a lot to do with determining and differentiating them.
In a young relief, V-shaped valleys generally predominatewhich are characterized by their slopes little shaped by erosion and which converge in a very, very narrow bottom.
On the other hand, when the state of erosion is really advanced, the so-called alluvial valleyswhich boast a flat and wide bottom, made up of alluvial deposits between which the flow of water wanders and oscillates.
then we can meet with the valleys in U, which are a direct consequence of the glaciers. They have very abrupt walls and the bottom is concave. Within this type, it may occur that when an old glacier recedes, the bed of one of its tributaries remains at a height well above it and then when its slope flows out it will form waterfalls.
dead valley or also popularly known as a decapitated river (because it no longer has a water course) occurs when a river is captured by another, or when its bed has been closed by a mountain range or other deposit.
While, the blind valleysoriginating from karstic terrain, that is, the product of the chemical weathering of certain rocks, are those that do not have a natural outlet and are closed by a counterslope, then the waters that circulate through it penetrate the soil and continue their course through an underground type network.
And the Endorheic Valleysvery common in those more arid areas, take place because the rivers cannot leave their hydrographic basins, flowing through these types of valleys.
famous valleys
Among the most famous Valleys that can be found in the world geography are the following: Death Valley, Grand Canyon, Loire Valley, Napa Valley, Nile Valley, Valley of Mexico, Ebro Valley, Danube Valley, and California Central Valleyamong others.
Places on the planet that are characterized by having a formidable scenic beauty
But beyond the strictly geographical aspects that we were explaining in detail above, we must say that the valley is not only that, an accident of world geography, but that the valleys are also places on our planet that are characterized by having a formidable scenic beauty. and that causes in those who visit them a tremendous admiration for the singularities of the land. The natural environment that accompanies them should also be highlighted because it adds to that beautiful visual and postcard that they provide us and because in regards to their value they are a certainly determining element. Many of the valleys have native animals and flora that distinguish them and that wonderfully accompanies the unique geography they display.
Favorite places for nature-loving tourists
Due to these issues that we mentioned, the valleys turn out to be places in high demand by tourism that likes to be close to nature and that delights in the mere contemplation of a beautiful landscape.
Those who love nature and nature-based hiking often choose the valleys as their destination.
Taking care of the natural environment of the valley
Meanwhile, due to the importance they hold in the natural sphere and also in the tourist demand of a nation, it is very important that the valleys be cared for and protected. Many of them are located in National Parks that enjoy state protection, but of course, this is not always enough and it is important to raise awareness among those who live there, and among visitors of course, so that they contribute to their care and not harm with an inconsiderate and unnatural action.
Other uses of the term
In another order of things, we must mention that the word valley has other uses in our language. It is a word that happens to be the last name of many Spanish-speaking people, and there is a very popular expression, valle de lágrimas, which is used with the mission of referring that such or such person is flooded by sadness and crying like consequence of having suffered a situation that caused him a lot of pain.
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