Key learning points

1. A river starts in the upper course at the source and this is usually an upland area.
2. Rivers in the upper course are usually small and slow but have a steep gradient.
3. Erosion in the upper course of a river is usually vertical.
4. Landforms in the upper course of a river include v-shaped valleys, interlocking spurs, waterfalls and gorges.
5. V-shaped valleys are steep-sided valleys caused by vertical erosion.

Keywords

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

• V-shaped valley - a narrow steep-sided valley with a river at the bottom

• Interlocking spur - ridge-like features found along the sides of river valleys

• Waterfall - a point in the river where there is a vertical drop in the water

• Gorge - a very narrow valley, with steep sided rocky walls

Common misconception