Deposition is the processes by which a river drops or deposits the material it is carrying (also known as its load) either in the river channel or on floodplains.

Find out more about river deposition.

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.

Geology can increase the risk of flooding when:

• The upland bedrock is impermeable, such as slate, which means there is more surface run-off
• Soil in low lying areas is made up of clay. Because it is so compact it is difficult for infiltration to occur.
• Areas of permeable rock, such as limestone, become inundated with water leading to increased surface run-off

Find out more about human and physical causes of flooding.

Examples include:

• flood warnings
• flood plain zoning
• planting trees
• river restoration

Find out more about soft engineering.

Social:

• Safer from flooding due to the increased carrying capacity of the river so the risk of flooding to nearby settlements is reduced.
• Embankments are often used for walking routes which makes the embankment a more attractive walkway for local people.

Economic:

• Cheap compared to other methods of hard engineering

Environmental:

• Habitats are provided for riverbank animals such as otters, voles and kingfishers

Find out more about hard engineering.