Upper course

• Where is the source of the River Severn located?

  In the Plinlimmon Hills
• What is the height of the source of the River Severn?

  Approximately 610 metres
• What geographical feature is the River Severn's source located in?

  Boggy moorland
• Why does the River Severn receive a lot of rainfall?

  It is close to the west coast of Wales
• How does the velocity of water in the upper course compare to the lower course?

  It moves at a slower velocity
• What type of valleys are typically found in the upper course of a river?

  1. shaped valleys
• What geological feature alternates from side to side in the upper course of the River Severn?

  Interlocking spurs
• What causes interlocking spurs to form?

  The river's inability to cut through rock
• What are some characteristics of the upper course of the River Severn?

  Steep gradient and narrow valley floor
• How are waterfalls formed in the upper course of a river?

  Due to different densities of rock eroding at different rates
• What happens to the plunge pool as a waterfall continues to erode the rock?

  It gets bigger over time
• What is the result of the hard rock cracking and breaking down at a waterfall?

  The waterfall retreats upstream, forming a gorge
• What is a gorge?

  A narrow steep-sided valley downstream of a waterfall
• What are common characteristics of a gorge?

  Narrow valley and steep sides
• What type of water flow is typically found in a gorge?

  Turbulent fast-flowing whitewater
• What can be found on the valley sides of a gorge?

  Bare rock and scattered boulders
• What are the main features of the upper course of the River Severn?

  • V-shaped valleys
  • Interlocking spurs
  • Waterfalls and gorges
  • Steep gradient and narrow valley floor
• How does erosion occur at waterfalls in the upper course?

  • Different rock densities erode at different rates
  • Hydraulic action and abrasion contribute to erosion
  • Plunge pools form and grow larger over time
  • Waterfalls retreat upstream, creating gorges