Gorge vs. Ravine: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Janet White || Updated on May 22, 2024
A gorge is a deep, narrow valley with steep rocky walls, usually formed by a river. A ravine is a smaller, less steep valley often created by erosion and water flow.
Key Differences
A gorge is a deep, narrow valley with steep, rocky walls. Gorges are often formed by the action of rivers cutting through hard rock over long periods. For example, the Grand Canyon in the United States is a famous gorge carved by the Colorado River. A ravine, on the other hand, is typically smaller and less steep than a gorge. Ravines are often formed by the erosion caused by running water, and they may not have the same dramatic vertical drops as gorges. For instance, many small ravines are found in wooded areas, where water runoff creates these formations.
Gorges are known for their spectacular and rugged scenery, often attracting tourists and hikers for their dramatic landscapes. The steep walls and deep chasms create breathtaking views and challenging trails. In contrast, ravines, while also scenic, tend to be more accessible and less imposing, offering gentler trails and often lush vegetation along their sides.
In terms of geological features, gorges usually indicate a history of significant geological activity, such as tectonic uplift and river erosion. Ravines, however, suggest more localized erosion processes, often related to seasonal water flow and surface runoff.
Gorges often have permanent watercourses at their base, which continue to shape and deepen the valley. Ravines may have intermittent or seasonal streams, which may dry up during certain times of the year, contributing to their formation primarily through erosion rather than sustained flow.
Comparison Chart
Size and Depth
Deep and narrow
Smaller and less steep
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Formation Process
River cutting through hard rock
Erosion and water flow
Scenic Quality
Rugged and dramatic
Scenic but more gentle
Watercourse
Permanent river or stream
Intermittent or seasonal streams
Geological Features
Indicates significant geological activity
Indicates localized erosion processes
Gorge and Ravine Definitions
Gorge
A deep, narrow valley with steep sides, often carved by a river.
The hikers marveled at the vast gorge below them.
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Ravine
A depression in the ground caused by erosion.
The ravine had deepened over the years due to heavy rains.
Gorge
A feeling of disgust or nausea.
Her gorge rose at the sight of the spoiled food.
Ravine
A trench formed by running water.
A small ravine cut through the forest floor.
Gorge
A narrow entrance between hills.
The path led through a rocky gorge.
Ravine
A deep ditch or gorge.
The road was washed out by a ravine.
Gorge
A deep narrow valley with steep rocky sides; a ravine.
Ravine
A small, narrow valley with steep sides, often formed by running water.
They walked along the ravine, admiring the wildflowers.
Gorge
A narrow entrance into the outwork of a fortification.
Ravine
A naturally formed narrow and steep-sided depression.
The farm bordered a wooded ravine.
Gorge
The throat; the gullet
The gory sight made my gorge rise.
Ravine
A deep narrow valley or gorge in the earth's surface worn by running water.
Gorge
The crop of a hawk.
Ravine
A deep narrow valley or gorge in the earth's surface worn by running water.
Gorge
An instance of gluttonous eating.
Ravine
(archaic) raven
Gorge
The contents of the stomach; something swallowed.
Ravine
A torrent of water.
Gorge
A mass obstructing a narrow passage
A shipping lane blocked by an ice gorge.
Ravine
A deep and narrow hollow, usually worn by a stream or torrent of water; a gorge; a mountain cleft.
Gorge
The seam on the front of a coat or jacket where the lapel and the collar are joined.
Ravine
A deep narrow steep-sided valley (especially one formed by running water)
Gorge
To stuff with food; glut
Gorged themselves with candy.
Gorge
To devour greedily.
Gorge
To eat gluttonously.
Gorge
(archaic) The front aspect of the neck; the outside of the throat.
Gorge
The inside of the throat; the esophagus, the gullet; the crop or gizzard of a hawk.
Gorge
Food that has been taken into the gullet or the stomach, particularly if it is regurgitated or vomited out.
Gorge
(US) A choking or filling of a channel or passage by an obstruction; the obstruction itself.
An ice gorge in a river
Gorge
(architectural element) A concave moulding; a cavetto.
Gorge
The rearward side of an outwork, a bastion, or a fort, often open, or not protected against artillery; a narrow entry passage into the outwork of an enclosed fortification.
Gorge
(fishing) A primitive device used instead of a hook to catch fish, consisting of an object that is easy to swallow but difficult to eject or loosen, such as a piece of bone or stone pointed at each end and attached in the middle to a line.
Gorge
(geography) A deep, narrow passage with steep, rocky sides, particularly one with a stream running through it; a ravine.
Gorge
(mechanical engineering) The groove of a pulley.
Gorge
An act of gorging.
Gorge
To stuff the gorge or gullet with food; to eat greedily and in large quantities. on
They gorged themselves on chocolate and cake.
Gorge
(transitive) To swallow, especially with greediness, or in large mouthfuls or quantities.
Gorge
(transitive) To fill up to the throat; to glut, to satiate.
Gorge
(transitive) To fill up (an organ, a vein, etc.); to block up or obstruct; of ice: to choke or fill a channel or passage, causing an obstruction.
Gorge
(slang) Gorgeous.
Oh, look at him: isn’t he gorge?
Gorge
The throat; the gullet; the canal by which food passes to the stomach.
Wherewith he gripped her gorge with so great pain.
Now, how abhorred! . . . my gorge rises at it.
Gorge
A narrow passage or entrance
Gorge
That which is gorged or swallowed, especially by a hawk or other fowl.
And all the way, most like a brutish beast,e spewed up his gorge, that all did him detest.
Gorge
A filling or choking of a passage or channel by an obstruction; as, an ice gorge in a river.
Gorge
A concave molding; a cavetto.
Gorge
The groove of a pulley.
Gorge
A primitive device used instead of a fishhook, consisting of an object easy to be swallowed but difficult to be ejected or loosened, as a piece of bone or stone pointed at each end and attached in the middle to a line.
Gorge
To swallow; especially, to swallow with greediness, or in large mouthfuls or quantities.
The fish has gorged the hook.
Gorge
To glut; to fill up to the throat; to satiate.
The giant gorged with flesh.
Gorge with my blood thy barbarous appetite.
Gorge
To eat greedily and to satiety.
Gorge
A deep ravine (usually with a river running through it)
Gorge
A narrow pass (especially one between mountains)
Gorge
The passage between the pharynx and the stomach
Gorge
Overeat or eat immodestly; make a pig of oneself;
She stuffed herself at the dinner
The kids binged on icecream
Gorge
To eat greedily or to excess.
He would gorge on snacks every evening.
Gorge
An obstacle or barrier.
The canyon presented a natural gorge impeding their progress.
FAQs
What is a gorge?
A gorge is a deep, narrow valley with steep rocky walls, typically formed by river erosion.
How is a gorge formed?
Gorges are often formed by rivers cutting through hard rock over long periods.
What is a ravine?
A ravine is a smaller, less steep valley usually formed by erosion and water flow.
Can a ravine have a river?
Ravines may have intermittent or seasonal streams but not always permanent rivers.
Can gorges indicate geological activity?
Yes, gorges often indicate significant geological activity such as tectonic uplift and river erosion.
Do ravines indicate localized erosion?
Yes, ravines suggest localized erosion processes from seasonal water flow and surface runoff.
How is a ravine formed?
Ravines are created primarily by erosion from running water, often seasonal streams.
Do ravines have steep sides like gorges?
Ravines have steep sides but are generally less steep and smaller than gorges.
What is an example of a famous gorge?
The Grand Canyon in the United States is a famous example of a gorge.
Is a gorge suitable for sightseeing?
Yes, gorges are popular sightseeing destinations due to their breathtaking views.
What activities are common in ravines?
Hiking and nature walks are common in ravines, which often have gentler trails and lush vegetation.
Can gorges have permanent watercourses?
Yes, gorges usually have permanent rivers or streams at their base.
What activities are common in gorges?
Hiking, rock climbing, and sightseeing are common in gorges due to their dramatic landscapes.
Are gorges more dramatic than ravines?
Yes, gorges typically have more dramatic and rugged scenery compared to ravines.
Do ravines have permanent streams?
Ravines may have intermittent or seasonal streams rather than permanent ones.
Are gorges found in mountainous areas?
Yes, gorges are often found in mountainous or highland regions.
Is a ravine suitable for casual walks?
Yes, ravines are often suitable for casual walks and less intense hiking.
What is the difference between a gorge and a canyon?
A gorge is usually narrower and steeper, while a canyon can be wider and larger overall.
Can ravines become larger over time?
Yes, ravines can deepen and widen over time due to ongoing erosion.
Are ravines found in wooded areas?
Yes, many ravines are located in wooded areas where water runoff creates these formations.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
