long and cross profiles

Question 1

What is a long profile?

Answer 1

displays gradient of a river along its entire length

Question 2

What is a cross profile?

Answer 2

cross section of a river channel at upper,
middle, and lower courses

Question 3

What are the characteristics of the upper course (long profile)?

Answer 3

high above sea level that drops quickly, very steep gradient

Question 4

What are the characteristics of the middle course (long profile)?

Answer 4

gentler gradient, height drops more slowly

Question 5

What are the characteristics of the lower course (long profile)?

Answer 5

very gentle gradient, height drops at its slowest

Question 6

What are the characteristics of the upper course (cross profile)?

Answer 6

narrow channel, shallow v-shaped valley, steep valley sides, lots of friction with the bed

Question 7

What are the characteristics of the middle course (cross profile)?

Answer 7

wider channel, deeper and more u-shaped valley, gentler valley sides

Question 8

What are the characteristics of the lower course (cross profile)?

Answer 8

valley is at its widest and sides are much gentler, wide u-shaped valley, less friction with the bed