* Gravity: Water naturally flows downhill. Mountains and hills funnel water towards the lower elevation of the valley.
* Erosion: Over time, rivers carve through valleys, deepening and widening them.
* Sediment: As rivers flow through valleys, they carry sediment (rock, soil, etc.) and deposit it, creating fertile land.
So, valleys are often characterized by:
* Low elevation compared to the surrounding hills or mountains.
* Rivers that flow through them.
* Fertile soil due to the deposition of sediment.
There are many different types of valleys, like river valleys, glacial valleys, and rift valleys, each with its own unique formation and features.