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River Cross Sections for Kids: Upper, Middle, and Lower Course Diagrams

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River Cross Sections for Kids: Upper, Middle, and Lower Course Diagrams

The long profile of a river shows its journey from source to mouth, highlighting changes in gradient, velocity, and channel characteristics. This diagram illustrates key features of a river system, including the watershed, tributaries, and the three main courses: upper, middle, and lower. The river's cross-section evolves as it flows downstream, reflecting changes in erosion and deposition processes.

  • The upper course features steep gradients and V-shaped valleys
  • The middle course has a gentler slope with meanders beginning to form
  • The lower course is characterized by a wide floodplain and slower flow

10/26/2022

184

River System Overview

This diagram provides a comprehensive view of a river system, showcasing its key components and how they change from source to mouth. The illustration is divided into three main sections: the upper course, middle course, and lower course of the river.

In the upper course, we see the source of the river, typically located in highland areas. This section is characterized by steep gradients and narrow channels.

Vocabulary: The watershed is the highland area surrounding the river basin, determining the area from which water drains into the river system.

As we move downstream, tributaries join the main river channel at points called confluences. These smaller streams contribute to the increasing volume of water in the main river.

Definition: Tributaries are smaller streams or rivers that flow into and join a larger river.

The middle course of the river shows a gentler gradient with the beginning of meanders. The river channel becomes wider and deeper in this section.

Highlight: The cross profile of a river changes significantly from the upper to the lower course, reflecting the river's changing dynamics.

In the lower course, the river widens considerably, and the surrounding landscape becomes flatter. This section is characterized by a wide floodplain and slower flow.

Vocabulary: The river mouth is where the river meets the sea or another large body of water, marking the end of the river's journey.

The diagram also illustrates the concept of a river basin, which encompasses the entire area drained by the river and its tributaries.

Example: The Amazon River basin is one of the largest in the world, covering about 40% of South America.

This comprehensive diagram serves as an excellent educational tool for understanding river systems, making it valuable for students studying geography at various levels, from KS2 to GCSE and beyond.

5:00 XX "b
Rivers-
-
Watershed
Crass Section
tributaries
Upper Course
V
confluence
Source - Start of river
Tributaries - Little streams/ riv

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Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

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Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

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I love this app so much [...] I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a C to an A with it :D

Stefan S, iOS User

The application is very simple and well designed. So far I have found what I was looking for :D

SuSSan, iOS User

Love this App ❤️, I use it basically all the time whenever I'm studying

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

Knowunity was a featured story by Apple and has consistently topped the app store charts within the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Ranked #1 Education App

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

4.9+

Average App Rating

13 M

Students use Knowunity

#1

In Education App Charts in 11 Countries

950 K+

Students uploaded study notes

Still not sure? Look at what your fellow peers are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much [...] I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a C to an A with it :D

Stefan S, iOS User

The application is very simple and well designed. So far I have found what I was looking for :D

SuSSan, iOS User

Love this App ❤️, I use it basically all the time whenever I'm studying

View

River Cross Sections for Kids: Upper, Middle, and Lower Course Diagrams

River Cross Sections for Kids: Upper, Middle, and Lower Course Diagrams

The long profile of a river shows its journey from source to mouth, highlighting changes in gradient, velocity, and channel characteristics. This diagram illustrates key features of a river system, including the watershed, tributaries, and the three main courses: upper, middle, and lower. The river's cross-section evolves as it flows downstream, reflecting changes in erosion and deposition processes.

  • The upper course features steep gradients and V-shaped valleys
  • The middle course has a gentler slope with meanders beginning to form
  • The lower course is characterized by a wide floodplain and slower flow

10/26/2022

184

River System Overview

This diagram provides a comprehensive view of a river system, showcasing its key components and how they change from source to mouth. The illustration is divided into three main sections: the upper course, middle course, and lower course of the river.

In the upper course, we see the source of the river, typically located in highland areas. This section is characterized by steep gradients and narrow channels.

Vocabulary: The watershed is the highland area surrounding the river basin, determining the area from which water drains into the river system.

As we move downstream, tributaries join the main river channel at points called confluences. These smaller streams contribute to the increasing volume of water in the main river.

Definition: Tributaries are smaller streams or rivers that flow into and join a larger river.

The middle course of the river shows a gentler gradient with the beginning of meanders. The river channel becomes wider and deeper in this section.

Highlight: The cross profile of a river changes significantly from the upper to the lower course, reflecting the river's changing dynamics.

In the lower course, the river widens considerably, and the surrounding landscape becomes flatter. This section is characterized by a wide floodplain and slower flow.

Vocabulary: The river mouth is where the river meets the sea or another large body of water, marking the end of the river's journey.

The diagram also illustrates the concept of a river basin, which encompasses the entire area drained by the river and its tributaries.

Example: The Amazon River basin is one of the largest in the world, covering about 40% of South America.

This comprehensive diagram serves as an excellent educational tool for understanding river systems, making it valuable for students studying geography at various levels, from KS2 to GCSE and beyond.

5:00 XX "b
Rivers-
-
Watershed
Crass Section
tributaries
Upper Course
V
confluence
Source - Start of river
Tributaries - Little streams/ riv

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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

Knowunity was a featured story by Apple and has consistently topped the app store charts within the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland and United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Ranked #1 Education App

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

Knowunity is the # 1 ranked education app in five European countries

4.9+

Average App Rating

13 M

Students use Knowunity

#1

In Education App Charts in 11 Countries

950 K+

Students uploaded study notes

Still not sure? Look at what your fellow peers are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much [...] I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a C to an A with it :D

Stefan S, iOS User

The application is very simple and well designed. So far I have found what I was looking for :D

SuSSan, iOS User

Love this App ❤️, I use it basically all the time whenever I'm studying