Landforms of an Upland River

R. TEES Source R USK Source

“V” Shaped ValleyNarrow, deep, steep sided valley, vertical erosion is the major process.

Note the lack of flat land in the bottom of the valley (vertical not lateral erosion)

R TEES Upland Valley

Steep Valley Sides

Vertical erosion is the major process, so the slopes are steep.

Note much evidence of erosion & landslides.

Interlocking Spurs

• In the Upper Course, the river is fast flowing, but there is little water and load. The river is often called a stream and does not have the erosive power to remove the hillsides (spurs), but erodes downwards instead.

EROSION TYPE: Vertical and Headward

Potholes

These circular depressions are formed by abrasion

The river currents swirl pebbles around, which drill holes in the river bed (Vertical erosion).

WaterfallsThese are typical of upland rivers.

Here the river passes over a hard CAP rock.

Below the cap rock is a softer, more easily erodable rock

High Force, R. Tees

Waterfalls 3•As the waterfall retreats upstream it leaves behind a narrow, steep sided valley or GORGE

•Vertical & headward erosion

FILM

Waterfall Animation

Summary of Valley Characteristics

Narrow, deep steep sided “V”shape valley, vertical erosion dominant

Interlocking spurs

Slumping and landslides - very active hill slopes (steep slopes)

Narrow, shallow channel, low velocity and discharge

Large bed load (boulders) derived from upstream and from valley sides

Not shown on this are Potholes & Waterfalls