What geographical feature is characterized by a U-shape between mountains?

The correct answer is the feature characterized by a U-shape between mountains is a glacier. Glaciers are massive, slow-moving bodies of ice that form in areas where the accumulation of snow exceeds its melting and sublimation. As glaciers move, they erode the land beneath them, carving out unique U-shaped valleys. This process occurs over thousands of years, resulting in the distinct U-shaped profile that separates mountain ranges.

In contrast, valleys can be formed through various processes including erosion and tectonic activity but are not specifically characterized by their U-shape when related to glaciers. Plateaus refer to elevated flatlands and do not have the characteristic shape that glaciers create. Hills, while they can be found in proximity to valleys and mountains, are typically smaller and do not define a U-shaped geography. Thus, glaciers are the clearest representation of the U-shaped feature seen between mountainous regions.