What defines gorges in geographical terms?

In geographical terms, gorges are characterized as narrow valleys that have steep, often vertical, cliff walls. This formation typically occurs due to the erosive action of a river over a long period, where the water cuts through rock layers, creating a deep and narrow passage. The defining feature of a gorge is the dramatic height of the cliff walls on either side, which sets it apart from other landforms like valleys or plains.

The other options describe different geographical features that do not possess the steep, cliff-like characteristics of gorges. Wide flat valleys, for instance, are broader and lack the defining steepness, while high mountain peaks refer to elevated areas rather than deep valleys. Open plains are flat and level, contrasting sharply with the narrow and rugged nature of a gorge. Therefore, the correct description of gorges is that they are valleys featuring steep, cliff-like walls.