Which of the following geomorphic agents is primarily responsible for the creation of U-shaped valleys, hanging valleys, and rock basins in high-altitude mountain environments?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Valley glaciers erode underlying terrain through plucking and abrasion, transforming narrow V-shaped river valleys carved by streams into broad U-shaped troughs with steep sides and flat floors. Alternative geological agents like running water produce V-shaped profiles, while wind action creates desert landforms such as dunes and yardangs. Glacial erosion also forms hanging valleys where tributary glaciers meet the main glacier above the valley floor.