CCEA GCSE River Landforms

Front

Waterfall Formation

Back

1. 1. Waterfalls are formed when a river passes over a boundary of hard rock and soft rock

3. 2. The soft rock erodes quicker forming a step and eventually a waterfall.

5. 3. A plunge pool is formed at the bottom of the waterfall which will undercut the hard rock.

6. 4. Over time the hard rock becomes undermined and collapses.

8. 5. The waterfall will retreat upstream leaving behind a steep sided gorge

Front

Meander Formation

Back

1. 1. Meanders are bends in a river formed by lateral (sideways) erosion and deposition.

3. 2. River water flows fastest on the outside of the meander and slowest on the inside.

5. 3. The outer bank erodes while sediment is deposited on the inner bank.

7. 4. A river cliff is created by erosion on the outside of the bend and a slip off slope is created by deposition on the inside of the bend.

Front

Levee Formation

Back

1. 1. Levees are natural embankments formed along the edges of a river channel.

3. 2. During floods, the river overflows and deposits sediment on its banks.

5. 3. The largest material is deposited closest to the river channel due to friction with smaller material being carried further out onto the floodplain. Over time, these deposits build up to form levees.

7. 4. Levees can help prevent future flooding by containing the river within its channel.