The Geomorphology of the Glacial Valley Cross Section

Several alpine valley systems in the southeastern Beartooth Mountains, Montana and Wyoming, have been examined using techniques similar to methods of stream system analysis. The general equation y = a x**b is the most adequate mathematical model for the cross valley profile; b values range between 1.5 and 2.0, indicating a parabolic form. As intensity of erosion increases in the glacial valley system, the b value also increases, indicating relatively deeper and narrower valley cross sections. The law of stream numbers, the law of stream lengths, and the bifurcation ratio, derived from fluvial geomorphology, are also applicable in glacial geomorphology.