River Environments Case Studies

Question 1

How does channel shape change along the course of the Tees?

Answer 1

Upper course:
Shallow, narrow and rocky.
Middle course:
Wider and deeper.
Lower course:
Very wide, deeper.

Question 2

How does valley profile (both long and cross) change along the course of the river Tees?

Answer 2

Long profile:
Steep gradient —> less steep gradient —> flat/very gently sloping

Cross profile:
Upper course:
Steep valley sides, ‘v-shaped’ valley. 
Middle course:
Less steep valley sides, wide ‘u-shaped’ valley. 
Lower course:
Gently-sloping sides, broad ‘u’ shape.

Question 3

How does river velocity, sediment size, gradient and discharge change along the course of the Tees?

Answer 3

Upper course Middle course Lower course
——————————————————————-———>
Velocity increases
Sediment size increases
Gradient decreases
Discharge increases

Question 4

What are the river and channel features found along the upper course of the river Tees?

Answer 4

• Waterfalls (‘High Force’ and ‘Low Force’) and gorges.
• Potholes.
• Rapids.
• Plunge pool.
• Interlocking spurs.
• Shallow river, so can be quite turbulent.

Question 5

What are the river and channel features found along the middle course of the river Tees?

Answer 5

• Meanders (river cliffs and slip-off slopes also part of meanders).
• Wider river channel. Deeper river, flows more quickly.

Question 6

What are the river and channel features found along the lower course of the river Tees?

Answer 6

• Very large meanders.
• Ox-bow lakes.
• Flood plain.
• Estuary.
• Wider river channel, water flows more slowly.