The characteristics of rapids include:

• the turbulent flow of water
• white water
• uneven river bed
• steep gradients.

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

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.

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.

Formation of a waterfall

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

Characteristics of a gorge include:

• very narrow valley
• very steep, high valley sides is
• located immediately downstream of a waterfall
• river channel takes up most, if not all, of the valley floor
• boulders litter the river bed
• turbulent, fast-flowing whitewater

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