stages of a river

• What does the 'long profile' of a river show?

  A long profile shows a river's gradient from source to mouth.
• Describe the stages of a river.

  A river is steepest at its source (start) and becomes gentler as it approaches its mouth (where it meets the sea).
• What does the 'cross-profile' of a river show?

  The cross-profile of a river shows a simple cross-section at certain points of its course.
• What features occur at the upper course of a river?

  Waterfalls, gorges, interlocking spurs, large rocks and boulders.
• What are the river and valley characteristics at the upper course of a river?

  • The river flows downhill due to gravity.

  • This creates friction and results in lots of vertical erosion.

  • The river channel is narrow and shallow.

  • The valley is V-shaped with steep sides.
• What features occur at the middle course of a river?

  Meanders, floodplains, smaller pebbles and rocks.
• What are the river and valley characteristics at the middle course of a river?

  • Lateral erosion increases as the river becomes less steep.

  • The river channel is wide and deep.

  • The valley is V-shaped with shallow sides.
• What features occur at the lower course of a river?

  Meanders, oxbow lakes, floodplains, levees and fine sand particles.
• What are the river and valley characteristics at the lower course of a river?

  • A lot of lateral erosion occurs.

  • The river channel is very wide and deep.

  • The valley sides are wide and almost flat.

  • Deposition is most evident here.