Waterfalls and gorges are typically found in the upper course of the river.

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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.

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Formation of a waterfall

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

As a waterfall retreats, it leaves behind the steep-sided valley which is called a gorge. Every time the overhanging rock breaks off the gorge retreats and grows longer.

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

Interlocking spurs are fingers of land that jut out into the river valley that streams and rivers are forced to flow around in the upper course.

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