A channel cross-profile is a cross-section of only the river channel.

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In the upper course, the channel is very narrow and very shallow. By the middle course, the channel becomes wider and deeper usually over 1 m. By the lower course, the channel becomes wider still and the channel is much deeper.

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In the upper course, the valley cross-profile is narrow and steep-sided. The river takes up most of the valley floor. In the middle course, the valley becomes wider due to lateral erosion. By the lower course, the valley is almost flat, consisting of a wide flood plain.

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A valley cross-profile includes the channel, the valley floor and the sides of the valley.

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River cross profiles show you a cross-section, taken sideways, of a river’s channel and/or valley at certain points in the river’s course.

Find out more about the cross profile of a river.