Valley Profiles

Question 1

What is the definition of long profile?

Answer 1

The long profile shows the change in altitude of the river from its source, along the entire channel length to the mouth of the river.

Question 2

What is the definition of the cross profile?

Answer 2

The cross profile is the view of the valley from one side to the other.

Question 3

Describe the valley shape in different courses of the river.

Answer 3

1. Upper Course - A narrow steep sided valley.
2. Middle Course - wider valley with a floodplain and distinct valley sides.
3. Lower Course - very wide floodplain with negligible valley sides.

Question 4

What is the graded profile?

Answer 4

A graded profile is the long profile that displays an even and progressive decrease in gradient moving from source downstream.

Question 5

What does the graded profile represent?

Answer 5

The smooth concave shape of the graded profile represents a dynamic equilibrium, where are balance has been achieved between the processes of erosion and deposition.

Question 6

What determines the potential energy of a river at a given point?

Answer 6

The potential energy is determined by the altitude of the stream relative to the sea level.

Question 7

What determines the kinetic energy of a river at a given point?

Answer 7

The kinetic energy is energy due to the movement of water as it flows.

The amount of kinetic energy is determined by the volume of flowing water, the gradient down which it is flowing and its velocity.