Glaciated regions are associated with

Glaciated regions are primarily characterized by U-shaped valleys, also known as glacial troughs. These valleys are formed when glaciers move through pre-existing river valleys, using their immense mass and abrasive power to scour the landscape [c1][t2]. Unlike rivers, which create narrow V-shaped valleys by cutting downward, glaciers erode both horizontally and vertically, resulting in steep, straight sides and broad, flat floors [c4][t1][t5]. Other features associated with these regions include hanging valleys, moraines, and fjords [c1][c2]. In contrast, V-shaped valleys are the result of fluvial (river) erosion [t1][t7]. Sand dunes are aeolian landforms created by wind action in arid environments [t4], while stalactites are speleothems formed by mineral precipitation in karst (limestone) caves [t6]. Therefore, the U-shaped valley is the definitive landform associated with glaciated terrain.

Sources

1. [1] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Landforms and their Evolution > Glacial Valleys/Troughs > p. 55
2. [2] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 17: Major Landforms and Cycle of Erosion > Glacial Trough > p. 231
3. [3] https://www.earthdata.nasa.gov/topics/cryosphere/glaciers/glacier-power/where-have-glaciers-been
4. [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U-shaped_valley