Middle Course of the River Tees
As the River Tees enters its middle course, the landscape and river processes undergo significant changes. This section of the river is characterized by a wider valley, a more gently sloping gradient, and the beginnings of lateral erosion.
The middle course of the River Tees showcases classic examples of meander formation, demonstrating the river erosion and deposition processes that shape this part of the river system. Meanders are sinuous bends in the river channel that develop through a combination of erosion and deposition.
The process of meander formation in the River Tees involves:
- Faster flow on the outside of bends leading to increased erosion (primarily through hydraulic action and abrasion).
- Slower flow on the inside of bends resulting in deposition.
- Over time, these processes cause the meanders to become more pronounced.
Vocabulary: Hydraulic action is the erosive force of water hitting the river banks, while abrasion is the wearing away of the banks by sediment carried in the water.
As meanders continue to develop, they can eventually form oxbow lakes. This occurs when the neck of a meander becomes so narrow that the river cuts through during a flood event, abandoning the original curve of the channel.
Example: The town of Yarm, located on the River Tees, is situated within a meander. While this provided defensive advantages historically, it has limited the town's growth in modern times.
The middle course of the River Tees also begins to develop a floodplain. This flat area adjacent to the river channel is formed by the deposition of sediment during flood events. The floodplain of the Tees is noted for its fertility, making it valuable for agriculture.
Highlight: The fertile floodplain of the River Tees supports intensive agriculture, demonstrating the economic importance of river landforms.
