river tees

• Where is the River Tees located and how long is it?

  North-east England - it is 137 km long and runs from its source at Cross Fell and in the Pennine Hills to the North Sea.
• Where is the mouth of the River Tees located?

  The mouth of the river is between Hartlepool and Redcar, near Middlesbrough.
• Describe the landforms in the upper course of the river.

  • At Cauldron Snout, vertical erosion has led to the formation of a narrow V-shaped valley and interlocking spurs. Fast-flowing rapids are prominent where the river flows over resistant whinstone.

  • Further downstream, England's highest waterfall, High Force (21 m), formed where less resistant limestone became exposed. The plunge pool below the waterfall has retreated over time, and a steep, narrow gorge has formed.
• Describe the landforms in the middle course of the river.

  • The river becomes less steep in its middle course
  • Lateral erosion on the outside bends of the river and deposition on the inside bends have led to the formation of meanders
  • As these meanders have continually migrated, larger loops have formed, creating a flat and wide floodplain
• Describe the landforms in the lower course of the river.

  • The town of Yarm is situated on the inside of a large meander, which may eventually develop into an oxbow lake.
  • Repeated flooding has led to the formation of levees alongside the river.
  • Near the estuary, the river flows down and deposits material, which has formed mudflats and salt marshes - key wildlife habitats e.g. Seal Sands which is a Special Site of Scientific Interest.
  • Over time the estuary has been extensively drained and deepend for port growth and heavy industrial development.