Upper Course Of River

Level 3 At the top of a river you can find a waterfall Level 4 In the upper course of a river, a waterfall can be found. This happens because of erosion Level 5 In the upper course of a river, a waterfall is a feature that is formed. This feature is formed by erosion as softer rock is eroded faster than harder rock. The water flows over and leaves a plunge pool. A gorge is left at the front of a waterfall

Level 6 / 7 In the upper course of a river, a waterfall is a feature that is formed. This is formed by a layer of harder rock overlying a layer of softer rock. As the water flows over the rock, the soft rock erodes quicker leaving the hard rock overhanging. As water flows over the ledge, the force erodes the soft rock deeper causing a plunge pool to form. The water erodes back into the soft rock causing undercutting until the overhanging hard rock falls off. The waterfall then moves backwards until a gorge is formed in front of the waterfall

Meander bend

Slowest flow Deposition Cut off

Fastest flow Erosion

Future meander cut off as the neck is eroded and an ox-bow lake will eventually form

Water flows slowest on the inside of a bend so any material carried is dropped as the water loses energy. This is deposition

Water flows fastest around the outside of a bend so erosion will take place as the water is powerful