Key learning points

1. As the river flows downstream, the gradient becomes flatter and the river becomes wider and deeper.
2. Landforms such as meanders form in the middle course of a river.
3. Landforms such as levees, flodplains, estuaries and deltas can be found in the lower course.
4. Over time oxbow lakes can form when meander loops become cut off following a flood.
5. Deposition occurs in the lower course and this forms landforms such as deltas and estuaries.

Keywords

• Meander - a winding bend in a river

• Oxbow lake - a curved lake formed by an old meander

• Levee - an embankment alongside a river

• Floodplain - a flat area of land either side of a river which experiences flood in periods of high river flow

• Estuary - the tidal mouth of a river, where the river meets the sea or ocean

Common misconception