-Rivers- Upper Course

Question 0

How is a waterfall formed?

Answer 0

Water flows over hard rock (H). Under the hard rock there is soft rock (S). As the water falls over the H it will erode the S (undercutting). This will happen over a long period of time until the S can’t support H so the H will fall into the plunge pool.

Question 1

Main points of the upper course of a river

Answer 1

• v shaped valleys
• water flows at high speeds
• narrow and shallow river channel
• source of the river
• waterfalls

Question 2

How are v shaped valleys formed?

Answer 2

1. Water erodes downwards, creating a deep hole.
2. Underground rock is exposed to weathering.
3. Cracks will form in this rock and it will eventually fall into the centre of the hole.
4. This will create a V shape