ChestertonCC - GCSE - River Profiles & Processes

Identify the characteristics of a river in its upper course

• Narrow, shallow channel

• Wide, deep channel

• Lateral erosion dominates

• Vertical erosion dominates

What landforms are likely to be found in the middle course of a river?

• Meander

• Waterfalls

• Levees

• V shaped valley

Identify the characteristics of a river in its middle course

• Medium gradient, gently sloping valley sides, a wider and deeper channel.

• Steep gradient, v-shaped valley, narrow and shallow channel.

• Gentle gradient, almost flat valley, very wide and deep river channel.

What landforms are likely to be found in the upper course of a river?

• Meander

• Waterfalls and gorges

• Levees

• Interlocking spurs

What landforms are likely to be found in the lower course of a river?

• Meander

• Waterfalls

• Levees

• V shaped valley

From source to mouth, river velocity increases

• True

• False

From source to mouth, sediment size increases

• True

• False

From source to mouth, discharge decreases

• True

• False

Flowing water is pushed into small cracks in the banks and bed. This expands the cracks until loose pieces of rock break away.

• Hydraulic action

• Abrasion

• Attrition

• Solution

As the river flows, transported rocks crash into each other and break, eventually becoming small, smooth, round pebbles

• Hydraulic action

• Abrasion

• Attrition

• Solution