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      An example of a river valley in the UK

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can identify major landforms of erosion and deposition in the River Eden valley, and explain their formation.

      Key learning points

      1. The River Eden valley is located in the northwest of England.
      2. The River Eden valley features landforms of erosion and deposition.
      3. It has erosional landforms in its upper course including a V-shaped valley, Hell Gill, and a waterfall, Hell Gill Force.
      4. It has depositional landforms in its middle and lower course including meanders across floodplains near to Carlisle.

      Keywords

      • Erosion - the process by which flowing water wears away the land, shaping the landscape over time

      • Deposition - the process by which rivers drop sediment they have been carrying

      • Weathering - the breaking down of rocks but without the material being moved, it occurs in place (in situ)

      Common misconception

      All landforms created are due to erosion by the river.

      Deposition and changes in geology, as well as human activity, can influence the landforms created.

      Teacher tip

      Looking at a specific example provides opportunities for mapskills practice, using OS maps to identify specific landforms and land uses in the river valley.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the source of a river?

      Where the river meets the sea
      The point where a river joins another river
      Correct answer: The start of a river, usually in the hills or mountains
      Where the river flows underground

      Q2.
      What is river discharge?

      The amount of sediment in a river
      The speed of river flow
      Correct answer: The volume of water flowing in a river measured per second
      The depth of the river channel

      Q3.
      Which process involves the river wearing away its bed and banks?

      Transportation
      Correct answer: Erosion
      Deposition
      Precipitation

      Q4.
      What is a meander?

      A small stream
      Correct answer: A bend in a river
      A type of waterfall
      A river mouth

      Q5.
      Where are waterfalls most commonly found?

      Lower course
      Middle course
      River mouth
      Correct answer: Upper course

      Q6.
      Which of the following is a type of transportation in rivers?

      Attrition
      Correct answer: Suspension
      Erosion
      Discharge

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Where is the River Eden located?

      South Wales
      Correct answer: Cumbria, North West England
      Yorkshire Dales
      Norfolk

      Q2.
      What is erosion?

      When water freezes in cracks
      When rocks break down without moving
      Correct answer: When flowing water wears away land
      When the river deposits sediment

      Q3.
      What is deposition?

      Breaking of rocks in place
      Movement of soil by gravity
      Correct answer: Dropping of sediment by a river
      Flowing water wearing away land

      Q4.
      Which statement is TRUE?

      All landforms in the River Eden valley are caused by erosion.
      Only weathering creates landforms in the River Eden.
      Correct answer: Deposition and weathering also shape the landscape, not just erosion.
      Deposition only happens in the sea.

      To help you plan your 10 geography lesson on: An example of a river valley in the UK, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...