Characteristics of rivers

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The long profile of a river shows how its height changes as you move downstream

The cross profile of a river is a line showing what it would be like to walk from one side of a valley, across the channel and up the other side

Shallow, narrow channel

Vertical erosion through the processes of hydraulic action, abrasion and attrition

Some traction and saltation at high flow

The river is carrying very little material

Bedload consists of mainly angular boulders and cobbles

Wider, deeper channel

Some vertical erosion but lateral more important

Hydraulic action now less significant

Suspension most important but some saltation and traction also occurs

The river is carrying some material

Bedload consists mainly of cobbles and pebbles

Widest, deepest channel

Only a little lateral erosion taking place

Suspension dominates

Bedload consists of mainly sands, silt and clay

The river is carrying a lot of material

Long Profile

Cross Profile

Upper Course

Middle Couse

Lower Course