Notchformed

Notchformed is a term used in geology to describe a specific type of landform created by erosion. It refers to a steep-sided, narrow valley or gorge that has been incised into a plateau or upland area. The defining characteristic of a notchformed feature is its sharp, almost V-shaped cross-section, often with vertical or near-vertical walls. These formations are typically the result of differential erosion, where a harder caprock layer overlies softer underlying rock. Water, often in the form of a stream or river, erodes the softer rock more quickly, while the resistant caprock is undercut. This undercutting process, combined with mass wasting and continued fluvial erosion, leads to the development of the steep, recessed walls that give the notch its characteristic shape. Notchformed valleys can vary in scale from small gullies to large canyons, depending on the geological context and the erosional forces at play. They are often found in arid or semi-arid regions where downcutting by ephemeral streams can be particularly effective. Examples can include slot canyons and box canyons. The term emphasizes the incised, carved-out nature of the landform.