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Features of Rivers (I)
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A river is a flow of water in a natural channel . The point where the river begins is called the source. The point at which a river ends is the mouth. The path taken by the river from its source to the mouth is the course. As the river flows along the course, it is joined by smaller streams called tributaries |
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deposition along its course, a river creates a variety of features.
Valleys created by the rivers can take different shapes, depending on the force of the running water. NARROW, DEEP V-SHAPED VALLEY It is created when the river flows down a steep slope There is a rapid downward erosion. The force of the water cuts into the land to form a narrow deep v-shaped valley. BROAD V-SHAPED VALLEY The river flows down less rapidly in large bends when the slope is gentler. In this way, the river erodes sideways. It creates a broad v-shaped valley. WIDE VALLEY The river flows in larger bends on a flat land. Hence, the valley created has a broad, flat valley floor. |
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 RAPIDSSometimes along the course of the river, a series of short and fast falls know as rapids are formed. They are formed when the river flows over bands of hard and soft rocks. |
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WATERFALLS AND PLUNGE POOLS
A waterfall is a vertical flow of water falling from a great height. A waterfall is usually found in the upper course of a river. A waterfall may be formed when a river flows over a band of hard rocks overlying softer rocks. At the foot of the waterfall, the great force of falling water and the rocks carried by the river cut into the land. A depression at the foot of the waterfall is known as a plunge pool. |
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