riverterrace

River terraces are flat, step-like landforms that occur along the sides of a river valley. They are formed by the river cutting down into its own floodplain. This process, known as incision, can happen due to various factors such as tectonic uplift, a decrease in sediment load carried by the river, or a drop in sea level. As the river incises, it leaves behind a former floodplain surface at a higher elevation.

Over time, if the river continues to incise, subsequent floodplains are formed and then abandoned, leading to the development of multiple terraces. These terraces are typically composed of alluvial deposits, consisting of sand, gravel, and silt. The lowest and widest terrace is usually the most recent floodplain. Older, higher terraces are progressively narrower and less continuous.

River terraces provide valuable insights into the geological history of a region and past environmental conditions. They can reveal information about changes in river dynamics, climate, and tectonic activity over long periods. In some areas, river terraces have been utilized for agriculture, settlement, or as sources of gravel. Their presence is a common feature in many river systems worldwide.