Rapids form when there is vertical bedding which is when alternate bands of hard and soft rock cross the channel. Differential erosion will occur as the soft rock is more easily eroded than hard rock. This makes the riverbed uneven and river’s flow becomes turbulent leading to white water sections typical of rapids.

Find out more about the landforms of erosion in the upper course of a river.

A gorge is a narrow, steep-sided valley, with bare, rocky walls.

Find out more about the landforms of erosion in the upper course of a river.

Steep gradient, convex slopes, they project from alternate sides of the family, separated by a narrow valley floor which is mainly taken up by the river channel, sometimes covered in Woodland and may have scree slopes.

Find out more about the landforms of erosion in the upper course of a river.

A waterfall is a step in the long profile of the valley. It is where water falls down the vertical drop in the channel usually from a considerable height.

Find out more about the landforms of erosion in the upper course of a river.

Rapids are fast flowing, turbulent sections of the river where the bed has a relatively steep gradient. They are found in the upper course of the river.

Find out more about the landforms of erosion in the upper course of a river.