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Letter BGeology glossary

Buried Valley

A buried valley is an ancient river valley that has been filled with sediment and buried beneath newer layers of material. These valleys are important in hydrogeology because they often serve as aquifers, providing significant groundwater resources. The study of buried valleys can also reveal information about past river systems and climate conditions.

Diagram showing buried valley with sand and clay layers (buried valley)
Fig. 1 Diagram showing buried valley with sand and clay layers (buried valley)

Source Eyles, N., & Arnott, R. W. C. (1986). The Geological Record of Glaciation.

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