The upper course of a river has low water volume and flows through a narrow, steep-sided V-shaped valley. It erodes vertically, forming interlocking spurs as the river is forced to swing around resistant rock outcrops. A V-shaped valley forms through vertical erosion in the river channel and weathering of valley sides, causing material to move downslope and be transported away by the river over time.

1. River Landforms – Upper Course

2. Upper Course What are the characteristics of: the river and the valley in the Upper Course

3. Lowest volume of water A narrow channel with a steep gradient ; The river erodes downwards . This vertical erosion results in a number of distinctive landforms including: V shaped valley cross section narrow valley floor interlocking spurs river’s load is of various sizes and angular. Characteristics of the upper course of a river:

4. How does a v-shaped valley form? 1. Vertical erosion in the river channel 2 . Weathering of the sides of the valley sides 3. Mass movement of materials down the valley sides, 4. Material is gradually transported away by the river. 5. As the river flows through the valley it is forced to swing from side to side around more resistant rock outcrops (spurs). 6. As there is little energy for lateral erosion, between spurs of higher land creating interlocking spurs

5. Headward Erosion

6. Vertical erosion (in the form of abrasion, hydraulic action and solution) in the river channel 2 . The valley sides are weakened by weathering processes and continued vertical erosion at the base of the slope. 3. Gradually mass movement of materials occurs down the valley sides, gradually creating the distinctive v-shape. 4. This material is then gradually transported away by the river when there is enough energy to do so. 5. As the river flows through the valley it is forced to swing from side to side around more resistant rock outcrops (spurs). As there is little energy, the river continues to cut down vertically flowing between spurs of higher land creating interlocking spurs. So how does a V-shaped valley form?

8. Key Terms V-shaped Valley – a valley which resembles a 'v' in cross section. These valleys have steep sloping sides and narrow bottoms. Interlocking Spur - spurs are ridges of more resistant rock around which a river is forced to wind as it passes downstream in the upper course. Interlocking spurs form where the river is forced to swing from side to side around these more resistant ridges. Load - collective term for the material carried by a river.

9. Middle Course Features and Processes

10. Middle Course What are the characteristics of: the river and the valley in the Middle Course

11. Formation of meanders Meander Formation

12. Riffles and Pools

13. Formation of Floodplains Flat land bordering a river and made up of alluvium (sand, silt, and clay) deposited during floods. When a river overflows, the floodplain is covered with water.