Course (of a river or stream)
The downward path of a river or stream is called course. This course can be divided into three sections:
-The upper course
This section is closest to the origin or source of the river/stream. This can either be a well or an accumulation area of (melt)water. The slope gradient in this section is often greater than 1 metre per kilometre descend (= steep gradient). As erosion is far greater than sedimentation, this section has a narrow and shallow channel in a V-shaped valley.
-The middle course
In the middle course of a river, the slope gradient is around 1 metre per kilometre descend (=medium gradient). On average sedimentation equates erosion. This section is characterized by gently sloping valley sides with a wider and deeper channel.
-the lower course
The lower course section of the river or stream is closest to the mouth and has a very wide, almost flat valley in which the wide and deep channel seeks its way to the lake or sea in which it drains. In this section the slope gradient is less than 1 metre per kilometre (=gentle gradient).
-The upper course
This section is closest to the origin or source of the river/stream. This can either be a well or an accumulation area of (melt)water. The slope gradient in this section is often greater than 1 metre per kilometre descend (= steep gradient). As erosion is far greater than sedimentation, this section has a narrow and shallow channel in a V-shaped valley.
-The middle course
In the middle course of a river, the slope gradient is around 1 metre per kilometre descend (=medium gradient). On average sedimentation equates erosion. This section is characterized by gently sloping valley sides with a wider and deeper channel.
-the lower course
The lower course section of the river or stream is closest to the mouth and has a very wide, almost flat valley in which the wide and deep channel seeks its way to the lake or sea in which it drains. In this section the slope gradient is less than 1 metre per kilometre (=gentle gradient).