Characteristics of Rivers
Geography: Cambridge International GCSE (2027 Exams), topic 1.1.2
Characteristics of Rivers
A river is a flowing body of water that moves from its source to its mouth. River characteristics change from the upland source to the lowland mouth.
What is a river?
- A river is a natural flow of water that moves through a channel from high land to low land.
- A river usually flows into a sea, lake, or another river.
River source and mouth
- The source is where a river begins, often in hills or mountains (upland areas).
- The mouth is where a river ends, usually entering a sea or ocean (lowland areas).
- A river gets wider, deeper, and faster as it moves from source to mouth.
River characteristics near the source
- The source is found in upland areas with steep slopes.
- The channel has a small perimeter and low discharge (less water).
- Friction is high, so velocity is low.
River characteristics near the mouth
- The mouth is found in lowland areas with flat land.
- The river is wider and deeper, with a smoother and more regular shape.
- The channel has a large perimeter and high discharge (more water).
- Friction is low, so velocity is high.
Test yourself on Characteristics of Rivers
What happens to river velocity as it moves from source to mouth?
Which characteristic describes a river near its source in upland areas?