Higher Hydrosphere
description
Transcript of Higher Hydrosphere
HigherHydrosphere
The Upper CourseAreas with steep gradients will have an increased velocity and so the potential for erosion is higher, especially vertical erosion. The river also has the ability at this point to transport and break up larger pieces of rock. The main type of erosion here is hydraulic action which is caused when water traps air into the river banks, forcing them to expand and crack. Abrasion will often occur on the river bed, often resulting in potholes. Erosion is highest under flood conditions.
Past Question: Erosion, transportation and deposition
change down the river – choose one of these processes then
describe and explain this change?
Georesource.co.uk
HigherHydrosphere
Middle courseThe main areas of erosion will occur on the outside bends of the river through hydraulic action and abrasion (load being knocked against the bank and bed of the river and wearing it away). The main direction of the erosion is lateral. Lower courseErosion at this point is minimal but may be found in meanders.
Georesource.co.uk
HigherHydrosphere
The Upper Course [Date]
Today I will:- Know the formation of a waterfall
Georesource.co.uk
HigherHydrosphere
Characteristics of the Upper Course - River channel is rocky.- Covered with various shapes and sizes of boulder.- Discharge is low.- Under flood conditions rivers energy is expended on ‘vertical erosion’ with hydraulic action and corrosion processes at work.-Valley sides are steep and form a ‘V’ shaped cross section.-Interlocking spurs.
Georesource.co.uk
HigherHydrosphere
V- Shaped Valley
Georesource.co.uk
HigherHydrosphere
The tallest waterfall in the world is Angel Falls in Venezuela which drops 979m.
Niagara Falls, on the other hand, is only 51m high!
Georesource.co.uk
HigherHydrosphere
Largest Waterfall in the UK – High Force
in England.
Georesource.co.uk
HigherHydrosphere
When waterfalls retreat they leave behind a gorge.
Georesource.co.uk