River Processes

Question 1

Why does the river get deeper and wider as we move down stream

Answer 1

There is more vertical and lateral erosion downstream from the source

Question 2

Why does the discharge increase

Answer 2

River is receiving more water from tributaries as we move downstream. In the upper course very few tributaries contribute to the flow.

Question 3

Velocity increases because

Answer 3

The water flowing in the lower course does not have to overcome as much friction as that in the upper course, which has angular rocks and a shallow channel.

Question 4

Why does the load become more rounded

Answer 4

The rocks knock off the river bed and sides and knock of each other as they move downstream

Question 5

Why does the gradient get less steep

Answer 5

The river does more downwards erosion near the source and more lateral erosion near the mouth