Features of the Upper Course

The upper course of the river occurs near the:

• meander

• oxbow lake

• source

• mouth

All of the following are features of the upper course except:

• rapids

• plunge pools

• meanders

• interlocking spurs

Another name for the upper course is the________ stage

The image shown here is a _-____________ and is formed by _______________

What are interlocking spurs?

• Hills formed by volcanic activity

• Alternate projections of land that extend into a river valley

• Large rocks deposited by glaciers

• Sections of a river where waterfalls occur

The image here shows which feature?

How do interlocking spurs form?

• A river deposits sediment as it slows down

• A river erodes softer rock and flows around harder rock, creating a winding path

• Wind erosion creates alternating ridges in a valley

• Earthquakes shift land, forming a zigzag pattern

Which of the following best explains why interlocking spurs are NOT found in the lower course of a river?

• The river is too slow to erode the landscape

• The valley is wider, and the river meanders instead of cutting through spurs

• The lower course has steep gradients that prevent spur formation

• The river deposits too much sediment to allow erosion

If a river with interlocking spurs becomes more powerful due to increased rainfall, what might happen over time?

• The interlocking spurs will become steeper and taller

• The river will start cutting through the spurs, creating a gorge

• The river will dry up and leave the spurs intact

• The spurs will widen and form oxbow lakes

A new highway is being built through a mountainous region with interlocking spurs. What would engineers most likely do to accommodate the landform?

• Build the highway in a straight line, cutting through the spurs

• Follow the winding path of the valley to avoid excessive excavation

• Fill in the valley with concrete to create a flat road

• Divert the river to another location to remove the spurs