Landforms of an Upland River R. TEES Source R USK Source

“V” Shaped Valley Narrow, deep, steep sided valley, vertical erosion is the major process. Note the lack of flat land in the bottom of the valley (vertical not lateral erosion) R TEES Upland Valley

Steep Valley Sides Vertical erosion is the major process, so the slopes are steep. Note much evidence of erosion & landslides.

Interlocking Spurs In the Upper Course, the river is fast flowing, but there is little water and load. The river is often called a stream and does not have the erosive power to remove the hillsides (spurs), but erodes downwards instead. EROSION TYPE: Vertical and Headward

Potholes These circular depressions are formed by abrasion The river currents swirl pebbles around, which drill holes in the river bed (Vertical erosion).

Waterfalls These are typical of upland rivers. Here the river passes over a hard CAP rock. Below the cap rock is a softer, more easily erodable rock High Force, R. Tees

Waterfalls 3 As the waterfall retreats upstream it leaves behind a narrow, steep sided valley or GORGE Vertical & headward erosion FILM

Waterfall Animation

Summary of Valley Characteristics Narrow, deep steep sided “V”shape valley, vertical erosion dominant Interlocking spurs Slumping and landslides - very active hill slopes (steep slopes) Narrow, shallow channel, low velocity and discharge Large bed load (boulders) derived from upstream and from valley sides Not shown on this are Potholes & Waterfalls