1. A B C Key Question: How and why do V-shaped valleys change downstream
Key Words:
Flood Plain
Interlocking Spurs
Bluffs
Meanders
Vertical erosion
Lateral Erosion A B C
SPOT THE
DIFFERENCE
In pairs spot at
least 3 differences
in river the river
valley cross profiles
further downstream.

2. U-shape V-shape Less steep sides with river filling bottom
Complete the table to show the similarities and differences between V-Shaped and U-shaped Valleys
U-shape
V-shape
Shape?
Structure?
Size?
Processes that formed them?
Other Features?
Less steep sides with river
filling bottom
Steep sides with flat
bottom
River and boulders fill
bottom of valley
Cut out of solid rock
Larger (wider / deeper)
Smaller
RIVERS (Abrasion, corrosion,
Hydraulic action)
ICE (Glacial Abrasion)
Till covers floor. Mis-fit
stream
Interlocking Spurs

3. The Long Profile of a River
SKETCH THIS DIAGRAM
Use a pencil and ruler make
sure you add the label to the axes
Vertical Erosion Dominant
Lateral Erosion Dominant

4. The Long Profile of a River
In the upper course of a river
the gradient is…………………… and
a river tends to be well away
from its…………… ………………. .
Here ………………….. erosion is
dominant. This forms steep
sided ………-shaped valleys with
………………………. spurs.
steep
base
level
vertical V
Flood Plain & Bluffs
interlocking
In the lower course the river
is ……………… to its base level
so tends to …………… out on its
…………………. . Here…………………..
erosion is dominant.
closer
V-shaped Valleys
and Interlocking Spurs
spread
floodplain
lateral

5. Changing Valley Cross Profile Downstream
Make a Summary Sketch to show the
changes in valley cross profile downstream
Use a pencil and ruler for the diagrams & label in pen. Give your work a title!
Changing Valley Cross Profile Downstream

6. River Cross-Sections & Long Profiles

7. River Cross-Sections & Long Profiles

8. River Cross-Sections & Long Profiles

9. River Cross-Sections & Long Profiles

10. River Cross-Sections & Long Profiles

11. River Cross-Sections & Long Profiles

12. River Cross-Sections & Long Profiles

13. River Cross-Sections & Long Profiles
Straight valley sides
Moderately steep valley sides
Small flood plain
River

14. Cross-Sections 1 AnswersB
275
Long Profile 50 Y X W X
275
150
250
125
225
Cross Profiles
100
200 75
175 50
150

15. Cross-Sections 1 AnswersB
275
Steeper Gradient in the Upper and Middle Course
Long Profile
Shallower Gradient in the lower course 50 Y X W X
275
150
Cross Valley
Profiles
250
125
River
225
River
100
Wider Valley Profile
-less vertical erosion
-more lateral erosion
-Flood plain begins to form
200 75
175 50
150
V-shaped Valley
-intense vertical erosion
-limited lateral erosion

16. River length = 18cm on map
1.5cm = 1km
18/1.5 = 12km