River profiles

• What is the path of a river as it flows downhill called?

  Its course
• How does the gradient change in the upper course of a river?

  It has a steep gradient
• What is the characteristic of the middle course of a river?

  It has a gently sloping gradient
• What does the long profile of a river show?

  How the gradient changes
• What do rivers form as they flow downhill?

  Channels and valleys
• What happens to eroded material as rivers flow?

  It is transported and deposited
• What determines the shape of the valley and channel along a river?

  The dominant process of erosion or deposition
• What does the cross profile of a river show?

  A cross-section of the river
• What are the characteristics of the upper course of a river?

  • Steep gradient
  • V-shaped valley
  • Steep sides
  • Narrow and shallow channels
• What are the characteristics of the middle course of a river?

  • Medium gradient
  • Gently sloping
  • Wide and deep channel
• What are the characteristics of the lower course of a river?

  • Gentle gradient
  • Very wide and almost flat
  • Very wide and deep channel
• What are the two types of erosion in rivers?

  Vertical and lateral erosion
• What does vertical erosion do to the river valley?

  It deepens the valley and channel
• Where is vertical erosion dominant in a river?

  In the upper course
• What causes intense downward erosion in vertical erosion?

  High turbulence and rough particles
• What does lateral erosion do to the river valley?

  It widens the valley and channel
• When is lateral erosion dominant in a river?

  In the middle and lower courses
• What are the processes of erosion in rivers?

  • Vertical erosion: deepens the valley, dominant in upper course
  • Lateral erosion: widens the valley, dominant in middle and lower courses
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• What is the purpose of the video?

  To provide information on GCSE geography