Strath terrace

Position: Floodplain

 

Form

Typically a relatively flat, valley marginal feature that is perched above the contemporary channel or floodplain. These erosional surfaces have a bedrock core, often with a thin alluvial overburden. Strath terraces often confine the channel, analogous to valley margins.

 

Process description

Reflect incision and valley expansion associated with downcutting into bedrock, abandoning terrace surfaces. In many cases, a contemporary floodplain subsequently develops and becomes inset within these terraces. In other cases, where incision occurs with little lateral expansion, a confined valley is formed.