river environments - long profile of a river

Question 1

upper course

Answer 1

• river is slow moving due to the particles and material in the river slowing it down
• steeply sloping towards the lower parts of the river
• the river is narrow and carves out a V-shaped valley
• erosion is common here, especially attrition, abrasion and hydraulic action
• traction and saltation occur in the upper course

Question 2

middle course

Answer 2

• the v-shaped valley remains with a wider valley floor and the river begins to meander
• abrasion causes the river to become wider and deeper
• the water increases in speed as the channel becomes wider and smoother
• the long profile is shallowly sloping towards the mouth of the river
• deposition begins to occur in the slower moving insides of meanders
• saltation, suspension and solution occurs here

Question 3

lower course

Answer 3

• the lower course is the fastest section of the river as the channel is the widest with very smooth sides and there is the greatest volume of water
• the river is wide, with shallow valley and large flood plains and meanders
• the river channel is very wide and smooth
• a lot of deposition occurs and the erosive energy cuts sideways
• suspension and solution occurs here
• in the lowland sections you many find meanders where the river loops around along the ground
• when the river reaches the sea it will slow down and deposit the sediment and particles it carries which leads to the formation of deltas and wide estuaries