Long Profile of a River

• What is the long profile of a river?

  


  • A graph that shows how the gradient (slope) of the river changes from the source to the mouth
  • Typically has a steep gradient at the source
  • Gradient flattens as it approaches the mouth

  
• What is the gradient/long profile like at the river's upper course?

  Very steep
• What is the gradient/long profile like at the river's middle course?

  Less steep, more gentle gradient
• What is the gradient/long profile like at the river's lower course?

  Almost flat gradient