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River Landscapes in the UK

Rivers shape the landscape through erosion, transportation and deposition. A river's long profile and cross profile change from source to mouth. Different landforms are created at different points along the river's course. Flooding is influenced by physical and human factors, and can be managed using hard and soft engineering strategies.

1) The path of a river as it flows downhill is called its course. 2) Rivers have a steep upper course (nearer the source), a gently sloping middle course and an almost flat lower course (nearer the mouth). 3) The long profile of a river shows you how the gradient changes. 4) Rivers form channels and valleys as they flow downhill. 5) They erode the landscape and transport eroded material to somewhere further along the course, where it's deposited. 6) The shape of the valley and channel changes along the river depending on whether erosion or deposition is the dominant process. 7) The cross profile shows you what a cross-section of the river looks like.

Key Terms

Course — The path of a river as it flows downhill from source to mouth.
Long profile — A diagram showing how the gradient of a river changes along its course, from steep upper course to gentle lower course.
Cross profile — A cross-section of a river showing the shape of the valley and channel at a particular point along its course.

River Long Profile and Cross Profiles

A diagram showing a river flowing from its source in upland mountains down to its mouth at the sea. The long profile shows the steep upper course, medium gradient middle course, and gentle lower course. Three cross profile diagrams show: Upper course -- narrow, steep V-shaped valley with small channel. Middle course -- wider valley with gentler slopes and larger channel. Lower course -- very wide, flat valley with wide, deep channel.

SourceUpperMiddleLowerMouthUpland area, e.g. mountainsBody of water, e.g. the sea or a lakeValleyChannelWaterGradient

River Course Characteristics

CourseGradientValley and channel shapeCross profile
UpperSteepV-shaped valley, steep sides. Narrow, shallow channel.Narrow, steep-sided V-shape
MiddleMediumGently sloping valley sides. Wider, deeper channel.Wider valley with gentler slopes
LowerGentleVery wide, almost flat valley. Very wide, deep channel.Very wide, flat valley floor

Case Studies

Exam Tips

  • •Don't show me that cross profile -- just go with the flow... Make sure you can describe a river's long profile as well as its cross profile at different points along its course.
  • •Some river landforms are beautiful -- others are gorge-ous... Step over the hard rock and plunge into the pool -- that's how I remember how waterfalls are formed. Geography examiners love river landforms so make sure you learn how they form.
  • •Fun fact -- 'meanders' is a rubbish anagram of 'dreamers'... Don't be afraid to draw diagrams of river landforms in the exam -- examiners love them and they can make your answer clearer.
  • •Oh, I just love a levee -- it must be my cheery deposition... Last few landforms to learn. These ones are all about water slowing down and dropping stuff. Exam question: Describe the process of formation of river flood plains. [3]
  • •My contours are largely a result of too much chocolate... It's important to understand maps, so read this page, find a map and explain it to anyone who will listen.
  • •Revision lag time -- the time between starting and boredom... Hydrographs might look a little intimidating, but they're not too bad -- just read this page until the knowledge infiltrates your brain.
  • •Flash flooding -- sometimes brought on by the stress of exams... That's about it for rivers, folks. Learn the details of a flood management scheme and you'll be home and dry.
  • •Flood your mind -- with knowledge of flood defence schemes... That table was both lovely and big. It might look like a lot of stuff to learn, but it's not too difficult at all.
  • •I can't bear the suspension -- just go ahead and dump me... There are lots of similar names to remember here -- try not to confuse saltation, solution and suspension. And yes, confusingly, solution is a process of erosion and transportation.