The river's journey
I can describe changes in a river and its landforms as it flows along its course.
The river's journey
I can describe changes in a river and its landforms as it flows along its course.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The width and depth of rivers get larger and the river gets faster as it flows from source to mouth.
- The rocks in the river usually get smaller as the river flows downstream.
- Landforms like waterfalls are usually found in the upper course of a river.
- Landforms like meanders and floodplains are found in the middle and lower course of a river.
Common misconception
Rivers are fast near the source and become slower as they flow downstream.
Rivers are, on average, slower in the upper course. The reason for this is due to small rivers being slowed down by friction with the bed and the banks.
Keywords
Course - The course of a river is the path it takes from its source at the start to its mouth at the end
Downstream - Downstream is the direction a river flows as it moves towards the mouth
Tributary - A tributary is a smaller river or stream that joins a bigger river
Landform - A landform is a natural feature created by a process such as erosion or deposition
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
upper course
middle and lower course
middle and lower course
narrow, shallow and slow with large rocks
larger, wider and faster with smaller rocks and sediment
very wide and deep with very small sediment