Stages Of The River

Question 1

Describe the upper course

Answer 1

Near the source, the river flows over steep gradient from the hill/mountains
= this gives the river a lot of energy
= so it will erode the riverbed vertically to form narrow valley

Question 2

Describe the middle course

Answer 2

Here the gradient gets gentler
= the water has less energy and moves more slowly
= the river will begin to erode laterally making the river wider

Question 3

Describe the lower course

Answer 3

Near the river’s mouth, the river widens further and becomes flatter
= material transported is deposited