Definitions

• Course: The path of a river as it flows downhill.
• Sections: Rivers have an upper course, a middle course, and a lower course.
• Functions:
• Erode the landscape.
• Transport material.
• Deposit material.
• Shape Changes: The shape of the river changes along its course depending on whether erosion or deposition is taking place.
• Gradient: A river's long profile shows how the gradient (steepness) changes over time.

Upper Course

• Steep
• V-shaped valley with steep sides
• Narrow and shallow

Middle Course

• Gently sloping
• Sloping valley sides
• Wider and deeper channel

Lower Course

• Steep
• V-shaped valley with steep sides
• Narrow and shallow

Cross Profile: An imaginary slice across a river channel and its valley at a particular point.

Erosion can be both vertical or lateral – both types happen at the same time, but one is usually dominant over the other at different points along the river.