Subjects

Careers

Open the App

Subjects

Discover River Landforms: Waterfalls, Gorges, and Oxbow Lakes for Kids!

46

0

user profile picture

skye x

06/09/2025

Geography

River Landforms

1,072

6 Sept 2025

2 pages

Discover River Landforms: Waterfalls, Gorges, and Oxbow Lakes for Kids!

River Landforms: Formation of Erosional and Depositional Features

This guide... Show more

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Formation of a Waterfall and Gorge
River Landforms
Waterfalls are formed in the upper course of a river in areas where
hard, resistant rock

Formation of Oxbow Lakes, Floodplains and Levees

Oxbow Lake Formation

Oxbow lakes form in the middle course of a river through the following steps:

  1. Erosion increases the curve of an existing meander
  2. The river begins to erode a new, straighter channel across the meander neck
  3. The river starts flowing through this new, shorter route
  4. Deposition cuts off the old meander from the new channel, forming an oxbow lake

Vocabulary: Oxbow lake - A U-shaped lake formed when a meander is cut off from the main river channel.

Floodplain Formation

Floodplains develop in the lower course of a river:

  1. During floods, the river erodes valley sides, removing features like interlocking spurs
  2. Simultaneously, the river deposits sediment carried from upstream
  3. This process creates a wide, flat floodplain with gentle valley sides

Highlight: Floodplains are important agricultural areas due to the fertile soil deposited during floods.

Levee Formation

Levees are natural embankments formed along river banks in the lower course:

  1. When a river floods, it loses energy as it spreads over the floodplain
  2. Larger sediment is deposited close to the river banks
  3. Finer sediment is carried further and deposited on the floodplain
  4. Over time, sediment builds up along the banks, creating natural levees
  5. With each flood, the levees are built higher

Definition: Levees are raised banks along a river formed by the deposition of sediment during floods.

Example: The Mississippi River in the United States has extensive natural levees that have been reinforced with artificial levees to protect surrounding areas from flooding.

Formation of a Waterfall and Gorge
River Landforms
Waterfalls are formed in the upper course of a river in areas where
hard, resistant rock

Formation of Waterfalls, Gorges and Interlocking Spurs

Waterfall and Gorge Formation

Waterfalls form in the upper course of rivers where hard rock overlays softer rock. The process involves:

  1. Erosion of soft rock by attrition, abrasion and hydraulic action
  2. Formation of a plunge pool and hard rock overhang
  3. Deepening of the plunge pool into a steep-sided gorge
  4. Breaking off of the hard rock overhang
  5. Upstream retreat of the waterfall as the process repeats

Vocabulary: Attrition - Erosion caused by particles in the water colliding with each other and the riverbed.

Vocabulary: Hydraulic action - Erosion caused by the sheer force of water against the riverbed and banks.

Interlocking Spur Formation

Interlocking spurs also form in the upper course through the following process:

  1. The river winds around hard, resistant rock
  2. Soft, less resistant rock is eroded away
  3. Remaining hard rock forms interlocking spurs in a zig-zag pattern

Highlight: Interlocking spurs resemble interlocking teeth, creating a distinctive landscape feature in the upper course of rivers.

Meander Formation

Meanders develop in the middle course of a river where:

  1. The channel becomes deeper and wider due to vertical and lateral erosion
  2. Reduced friction allows the river to move faster with more energy
  3. Faster flow on the outside bend causes more erosion, forming river cliffs
  4. Slower flow on the inside bend leads to deposition, creating slip-off slopes

Definition: Slip-off slopes are gently sloping banks formed by deposition on the inside of a river bend.

Example: The classic meander shape can be seen in many rivers worldwide, such as the horseshoe bend of the Colorado River in Arizona.



We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Geography

1,072

6 Sept 2025

2 pages

Discover River Landforms: Waterfalls, Gorges, and Oxbow Lakes for Kids!

River Landforms: Formation of Erosional and Depositional Features

This guide explores the formation of key river landforms in different courses of a river, including:

  • Waterfalls and gorges in the upper course
  • Interlocking spurs in the upper course
  • Meanders in the... Show more

Formation of a Waterfall and Gorge
River Landforms
Waterfalls are formed in the upper course of a river in areas where
hard, resistant rock

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Formation of Oxbow Lakes, Floodplains and Levees

Oxbow Lake Formation

Oxbow lakes form in the middle course of a river through the following steps:

  1. Erosion increases the curve of an existing meander
  2. The river begins to erode a new, straighter channel across the meander neck
  3. The river starts flowing through this new, shorter route
  4. Deposition cuts off the old meander from the new channel, forming an oxbow lake

Vocabulary: Oxbow lake - A U-shaped lake formed when a meander is cut off from the main river channel.

Floodplain Formation

Floodplains develop in the lower course of a river:

  1. During floods, the river erodes valley sides, removing features like interlocking spurs
  2. Simultaneously, the river deposits sediment carried from upstream
  3. This process creates a wide, flat floodplain with gentle valley sides

Highlight: Floodplains are important agricultural areas due to the fertile soil deposited during floods.

Levee Formation

Levees are natural embankments formed along river banks in the lower course:

  1. When a river floods, it loses energy as it spreads over the floodplain
  2. Larger sediment is deposited close to the river banks
  3. Finer sediment is carried further and deposited on the floodplain
  4. Over time, sediment builds up along the banks, creating natural levees
  5. With each flood, the levees are built higher

Definition: Levees are raised banks along a river formed by the deposition of sediment during floods.

Example: The Mississippi River in the United States has extensive natural levees that have been reinforced with artificial levees to protect surrounding areas from flooding.

Formation of a Waterfall and Gorge
River Landforms
Waterfalls are formed in the upper course of a river in areas where
hard, resistant rock

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Formation of Waterfalls, Gorges and Interlocking Spurs

Waterfall and Gorge Formation

Waterfalls form in the upper course of rivers where hard rock overlays softer rock. The process involves:

  1. Erosion of soft rock by attrition, abrasion and hydraulic action
  2. Formation of a plunge pool and hard rock overhang
  3. Deepening of the plunge pool into a steep-sided gorge
  4. Breaking off of the hard rock overhang
  5. Upstream retreat of the waterfall as the process repeats

Vocabulary: Attrition - Erosion caused by particles in the water colliding with each other and the riverbed.

Vocabulary: Hydraulic action - Erosion caused by the sheer force of water against the riverbed and banks.

Interlocking Spur Formation

Interlocking spurs also form in the upper course through the following process:

  1. The river winds around hard, resistant rock
  2. Soft, less resistant rock is eroded away
  3. Remaining hard rock forms interlocking spurs in a zig-zag pattern

Highlight: Interlocking spurs resemble interlocking teeth, creating a distinctive landscape feature in the upper course of rivers.

Meander Formation

Meanders develop in the middle course of a river where:

  1. The channel becomes deeper and wider due to vertical and lateral erosion
  2. Reduced friction allows the river to move faster with more energy
  3. Faster flow on the outside bend causes more erosion, forming river cliffs
  4. Slower flow on the inside bend leads to deposition, creating slip-off slopes

Definition: Slip-off slopes are gently sloping banks formed by deposition on the inside of a river bend.

Example: The classic meander shape can be seen in many rivers worldwide, such as the horseshoe bend of the Colorado River in Arizona.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user