the part of a river’s course closest to its source

a narrow steep-sided valley with a river at the bottom

ridge-like features found along the sides of river valleys

a point in the river where there is a vertical drop in the water

a very narrow valley, with steep sided rocky walls

The upper course of a river

Geography

This unit teaches pupils about how river processes shape the land and affect our lives. Pupils will use fieldwork to investigate downstream changes in rivers and use GIS to analyse flood risk across geographical space. Pupils will also evaluate different methods of flood management.

Rivers: How do rivers shape the land?

The source and steepest part of the river

What landforms are commonly found in the upper course?

When the river cuts down into the landscape

In the lower course because of the large volume and speed

Energy is the same in all parts of a river

Where does a river usually have the most energy?

Water falling from clouds as rain, snow, sleet, or hail

The breaking down and removal of rocks and soil by the river

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

The upper course of a river

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.