hollows

Hollows are geographic terms for small valleys or depressions between hills, typically long and narrow and often wooded. The term is especially common in parts of North America, notably the Appalachian region, where many valleys are locally called hollows.

Geology and formation: Hollows develop through long-term valley cutting by streams, combined with freeze-thaw weathering that enlarges cracks in rock and undercut slopes. In karst landscapes, solution processes can create hollowed depressions or sinkholes that collect water. The presence of a stream or seepage can keep hollows damp, shaping soil and vegetation.

Ecology: The sheltered environment fosters shade-tolerant plants and a distinct microclimate with higher humidity; streams provide habitat for invertebrates, fish, amphibians, and peripheral wildlife; edges support diverse plant communities.

Other meanings: Outside geography, hollow describes any natural cavity in a solid object—such as a hollow in a tree, a rock hollow, or a hollow space used in construction. In figurative use, "hollow" denotes emptiness or a lack of substance.

Human use and cultural context: Hollows have influenced settlement patterns, agriculture, and dialects, with houses and farms often built on slopes inside hollows for protection from wind and exposure. Conservation efforts emphasize riparian corridors and forest connectivity to protect associated habitats and biodiversity.