Key learning points

1. Rivers exhibit a distinctive long profile from source to mouth.
2. River and valley cross profiles change between their upper, mid- and lower courses.
3. River channel characteristics in the River Eden change with distance downstream.

Keywords

• Gradient - refers to the steepness or slope of the land or riverbed

• Lateral erosion - the process where a river erodes the sides of its channel, widening the valley

• Channel - pathway through which water flows in a river or stream

• Cross section - a section taken sideways across the channel or valley

Common misconception