river landforms

Waterfall

Forms when resistant hard rock lies on top of non-resistant soft rock, leading to erosion and the eventual collapse of an overhang into a plunge pool.

Gorge

A steep valley formed as a waterfall retreats backwards upstream due to continuous erosion.

V-shaped Valley

A valley formed by vertical erosion of the riverbed, resulting in steep sides that collapse, creating a 'V' shape.

Interlocking Spurs

Ridges of hard rock that the river bends around, creating a zig-zag formation with streams of the river running between them.

Meanders

Large bends in the river that develop in flatter land due to lateral erosion and varying water speeds.

River Cliff

A steep bank formed on the outside of a meander due to increased erosion.

Slip-off Slope

A gentle slope of deposited materials on the inner bend of a meander where water flows slower.

Ox-bow Lake

A horseshoe-shaped lake formed when a river cuts across the neck of a meander during high discharge.

Floodplain

An area of land adjacent to a river that is covered with water during floods, leading to sediment deposition.

Levees

Raised banks formed by the deposition of sediment during floods, which help to contain river water and reduce flooding.

Estuary

The area where a river meets the sea, often forming mudflats when the volume of water is reduced.