Explaining features of a upper course

Question 1

Give two features of the upper course

Answer 1

Waterfalls and potholes

Question 2

Where does waterfalls occur

Answer 2

Waterfalls tend to occur where the river crosses resistant rock and the softer rock downstream is eroded more rapidly

Question 3

What two erosion processes occur the most under the waterfall where the plunge pool is formed

Answer 3

Abrasion and Hydraulic action

Question 4

What happens the harder the rock is for a waterfall

Answer 4

The harder rock is undercut and collapses, causes the waterfall to retreat upstream

Question 5

How are potholes formed

Answer 5

If the river bed is uneven, pebbles can become trapped. Swirling currents cause the pebbles to rotate and erode circular holes in the river bed.

Question 6

How are rapids formed

Answer 6

When alternating bands of hard and soft rocks crossing the course of a river form an uneven bed and areas of turbulent water called rapids