Question detail
Which feature is typically associated with the upper course of a river?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Section C: Physical landscapes in the UK
Question
- A. Wide floodplains
- B. Meanders
- C. Waterfalls
- D. Estuaries
Answer
Waterfalls
Explanation
Waterfalls are commonly found in the upper course of a river where the gradient is steep, leading to vertical drops.
Common mistake
Misidentifying river cross‑profile changes
Students often think that a river’s cross‑profile only changes where the river widens, ignoring the development of a narrow, V‑shaped valley in the upper reaches and a wider, U‑shaped valley in the lower reaches.
Explain that the upper reaches of a river have a narrow, V‑shaped valley with steep sides and a narrow bed, while the lower reaches have a wider, U‑shaped valley with a broader bed and gentler slopes, reflecting the change in gradient and sediment load along the long profile.
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