changes in river characteristics

What is the difference between a long profile and a cross profile

Long

• shows the change in gradient from source to mouth

Cross

• show cross sections from one bank to another, each course would usually have a different profile

Order the courses most to least steep (gradient)

1. Upper

2. Middle

3. Lower

Order the courses most to least shallow of a channel

1. Upper

2. Middle

3. Lower

Order the courses widest to narrowest channel

1. Lower (widest)

2. Middle

3. Upper (narrowest)

Order the courses flattest to narrowest channel sides

1. Lower (flat flood plains)

2. Middle (gentle slopes)

3. Upper (steep valley sides)

Order the courses lowest to highest velocity

1. Upper

2. Middle

3. Lower (except when river enters mouth, here its slow)

Order the courses Largest to smallest bedload carried

1. Upper (large rocks)

2. Middle (medium sized pebbles)

3. Lower (mostly sediment)

Order the courses Smoothest to least smooth channel bed

1. Lower

2. Middle

3. Upper

Order the courses Highest to lowest levels of friction

1. Upper

2. Middle

3. Lower

Where is lateral erosion most common

Middle course

Where is vertical erosion most common

Upper course

Where is deposition most common

Lower course