Detailed Summary of Mature Stage in Landform Evolution
The evolution of landforms is a dynamic process influenced by multiple geomorphic agents like running water, wind, and glaciers. This section specifically highlights the mature phase of landform development, marked by significant changes in streams and valleys due to prolonged erosional and depositional activities. During this stage, streams become plentiful and are well-integrated into the landscape. Valleys, predominantly V-shaped, deepen and become broader, allowing meandering streams to flow freely within them.
As weathering and erosion continue, the physical shape of the landscape gradually transforms, leading to a reduction in steep gradients and the formation of wider floodplains. Key features such as natural levees and oxbow lakes become more pronounced. Moreover, the section emphasizes the balance between erosion and deposition, illustrating how sediment is redistributed across the landscape. The mature phase ultimately leads to a complex interplay of landforms that represents a balance of the earth's geomorphic processes.