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River processes and landforms
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A river changes from source to mouth. Different processes dominate in each part, creating different landforms.
Upper course
Steep and narrow. Vertical erosion is strongest.
Landforms: V-shaped valleys, interlocking spurs and waterfalls.
A waterfall forms where hard rock lies over soft rock. The soft rock erodes, leaving an overhang that collapses, so the waterfall retreats and forms a gorge.
Landforms: V-shaped valleys, interlocking spurs and waterfalls.
A waterfall forms where hard rock lies over soft rock. The soft rock erodes, leaving an overhang that collapses, so the waterfall retreats and forms a gorge.
Middle and lower course
Wider and deeper. Lateral erosion (sideways) grows.
Meanders form as water erodes the outside bend and deposits on the inside.
When a meander neck is cut through in a flood, an oxbow lake is left.
Floods build a flat floodplain and raised banks called levees.
Meanders form as water erodes the outside bend and deposits on the inside.
When a meander neck is cut through in a flood, an oxbow lake is left.
Floods build a flat floodplain and raised banks called levees.
How rivers carry material
Traction: large boulders rolled along the bed.
Saltation: pebbles bounced along.
Suspension: fine material carried in the water.
Solution: minerals dissolved in the water.
Saltation: pebbles bounced along.
Suspension: fine material carried in the water.
Solution: minerals dissolved in the water.
Explain how an oxbow lake forms.
- Erosion on the outside bends makes a meander neck narrower.
- In a flood, the river cuts through the neck, taking the shortest route.
- Deposition seals off the old bend, leaving an oxbow lake.
Answer: The meander neck is cut through and the old bend is sealed off.
Upper course: vertical erosion, V-shaped valleys, waterfalls and gorges. Lower course: lateral erosion and deposition, meanders, oxbow lakes, floodplains and levees.
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