Changes in River Characteristics (Edexcel IGCSE Geography)
Revision Note
Written by: Bridgette Barrett
Reviewed by: Jenna Quinn
Changes in River Characteristics
River characteristics
All rivers have a long profile and cross profiles
Each river's long and cross profiles are unique but they do have some characteristics in common
These profiles show changes in river characteristics from the source to the mouth
Long profile
The long profile of a river shows the changes in the river gradient from the source to the mouth
Most long profiles have a concave shape with similar characteristics:
The source is usually in an upland area
The upper course of the river includes areas which are steep with uneven surfaces
In the middle course, the gradient decreases
In the lower section, the gradient decreases further until it becomes almost flat
Cross profiles
The cross profiles of a river are cross-sections from one bank to another
Cross profiles of the upper, middle and lower courses show the changes in the river channel
Upper course characteristics include:
Shallow channel
Steep valley sides
Narrow channel
Low velocity
Large bedload
Rough channel bed
High levels of friction
Vertical erosion
Middle course characteristics:
Deeper than upper course channel
Gentle valley sides
Wider than upper course channel
Greater velocity than upper course channel
Material in river decreases in size
Smoother channel bed
Lower levels of friction than upper course channel
Lateral erosion
Lower course characteristics:
Deeper than middle course channel
Flat floodplains
Wider than middle course channel
Greater velocity than middle course channel (apart from as the river enters the mouth)
Material carried mainly sediment and alluvium
Smooth channel bed
Lowest friction
Deposition is dominant
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Remember valley shape and river shape are not the same thing. If you are asked to describe valley shape you should focus on the gradient and shape of the land either side of the river channel.
Case Study: River Tees
Location - North-East England
Drainage basin - 1830km2
Source - Cross Fell, Pennines 754m above sea level
Length - 137km
Mouth - Tees Estuary, North Sea
Direction of flow - from west to east
Features of the River Tees
Feature | Upper Course | Middle Course | Lower Course |
|---|---|---|---|
Land Use | Moorland, peat soil, some sheep grazing | Surrounded by farmland and some larger settlements - Barnard Castle | Some arable farmland and increasingly larger settlements and industry - Middlesbrough, Yarm, Stockton on Tees |
Geology | Limestone and sandstone | Limestone and sandstone | Limestone and sandstone |
Annual Precipitation | Over 1000mm | 1003mm | 773 mm |
River Channel | Narrow and shallow | Increasing width and depth | Wide and deep |
Gradient | Steep | More gentle | Gentle, almost flat |
Bedload | Large and angular | Becoming smaller and more rounded | Mainly small sediment |
Friction | High levels of friction | Decreasing amounts of friction as less water is in contact with the banks and bed | Decreasing amounts of friction as less water is in contact with the banks and bed |
Landforms | High Force waterfall is located where hard rock (Dolerite also known as whinstone) overlays soft rock (limestone and sandstone). The retreat of the High Force waterfall upstream has left a steep-sided gorge. Interlocking spurs and v-shaped valleys | Meanders starting to develop and fertile floodplains on either side of the river | Large meanders have led to the development of oxbow lakes, wide floodplains with levees |
Erosion & Deposition | Vertical erosion dominant | Lateral erosion dominant | Deposition dominant |
Other Features | Cow Green Reservoir |
| Tees Barrage flood defence, river straightening in Middlesbrough (Mandale Loop), Yarm flood defences |
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