A gorge is a narrow, deep valley with very steep, rocky sides, usually carved by a river over a very long time.

Quick Scoop: What Is a Gorge?

  • A gorge is a very deep, tight valley between hills or mountains, often with a river flowing at the bottom.
  • It is typically formed when running water erodes rock over millions of years, cutting downwards and creating steep walls.
  • Gorges are sometimes described as similar to canyons; both are deep valleys, though “gorge” is often used for narrower, more rugged landforms.
  • Many gorges lie in mountainous or plateau regions where rivers have enough power to cut through hard rock.

How gorges form (in simple steps)

  1. A river flows over rock and starts eroding it.
  1. Over long periods, the river cuts downwards faster than the sides can wear away.
  1. This creates a deep, narrow channel with steep or vertical sides: a gorge.

Extra context and examples

  • Some famous deep valleys commonly compared to gorges include the Grand Canyon in Arizona, formed by the Colorado River through erosion over millions of years.
  • In geography lessons and exams, gorges are often mentioned alongside valleys, canyons, and river landforms (like waterfalls and V-shaped valleys).

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