dry valley

views updated May 21 2018

dry valley A linear depression that lacks a permanent stream but shows signs of past water erosion. It is a common land-form in areas underlain by permeable rock (e.g. the chalk of southern England). The dry valley was eroded during an episode of surface drainage, perhaps due to permafrost conditions, to greater precipitation, or to a higher water-table.

dry valley

views updated May 08 2018

dry valley Linear depression that lacks a permanent stream but that shows signs of past water erosion. It is a common landform in areas underlain by permeable rock, e.g. the Chalk of southern England. The dry valley was eroded during an episode of surface drainage, perhaps due to permafrost conditions, to greater precipitation, or to a higher water table.

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