8.1.2

The Bradshaw Model

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The Bradshaw Model

The Bradshaw Model is a theory which explains how a river’s characteristics change as you move downstream.

Illustrative background for The Bradshaw ModelIllustrative background for The Bradshaw Model ?? "content

The Bradshaw Model

  • The Bradshaw Model shows how different river characteristics vary between the upper course and lower course of a river.
Illustrative background for Increasing factors downstreamIllustrative background for Increasing factors downstream ?? "content

Increasing factors downstream

  • The following river characteristics increase as the distance downstream increases:
    • Discharge.
    • Channel width.
    • Channel depth.
    • Average velocity.
    • Load quantity.
Illustrative background for Decreasing factors downstreamIllustrative background for Decreasing factors downstream ?? "content

Decreasing factors downstream

  • The following river characteristics all decrease with increasing distance towards the mouth:
    • Load particle size.
    • Channel bed roughness.
    • Slope angle or gradient.

Jump to other topics

1Geography Skills

2Geology of the UK

3Geography of the World

4Development

5Weather & Climate

6The World of Work

7Natural Resources

8Rivers

9Coasts

10Glaciers

11Tectonics

12Climate Change

13Global Population & Inequality

14Urbanisation

15Ecosystems

16Life in an Emerging Country

17Analysis of Africa

18Analysis of India

19Analysis of the Middle East

20Analysis of Bangladesh

21Analysis of Russia

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