The River Valley

Question 1

Whats the course

Answer 1

The path of a river as it flows downhill

Question 2

Describe the upper course

(including gradient)

Answer 2

The gradient is steep
V-shaped valley, steep sides
Narrow, shallow channel

Question 3

Describe the middle course

(including gradient)

Answer 3

The gradient is medium
Gently sloping valley sides
Wide, deeper channel

Question 4

Describe the lower course

(including gradient)

Answer 4

The gradient is gentle
Very wide, almost flat valley
Very wide, deep channel

Question 5

Cross profile

Answer 5

Shows you what a cross-section of the river looks like

Question 6

Long profile

Answer 6

The long profile of a river shows you how the gradient changes

Question 7

Verticle erosion

Answer 7

This deepens the rivers valley and channel, making it V-shaped

It’s dominant in the upper course of the river. High turbullence causes rough, angular particles to be scraped along the river bed, causing intense downward erosion

Question 8

Lateral erosion

Answer 8

This widens the river valley and channel during the formation of meanders

Question 9

Watershed

Rivers drainage basin

Answer 9

the edge of the drainage basin

Question 10

Floodplain

Rivers drainage basin

Answer 10

lower course
flat areas on the sides of the river often flooded

Question 11

Source

Answer 11

Where the river starts

Question 12

Tributary

Answer 12

small river joining the main river

Question 13

Confluence

Answer 13

the point where a smaller river enters the main river

Question 14

Mouth

Answer 14

the end of the river