Our River Severn pages have many photos of the features of rivers.  .........EROSION......... As a river flows, the force of its moving water washes away loose soil and pieces of rock. In this way the river cuts its own channel in the ground. The process of wearing away rocks is called erosion. .............GORGE........ A gorge is a steep-sided river valley which is very narrow and deep. .........MEANDER............. A meander is a bend in a river. Meanders normally occur in the middle and lower courses where the water is moving more slowly. The river carves out S-shaped bends. ...........OX-BOW LAKE........... ..........MOUTH......... At its mouth, the river flows into another body of water. The mouth may be where the river meets the sea, a lake or a larger waterway. Most rivers flow out into the sea, and this is where they end their journey. .........ESTUARY............... If a river has a wide mouth, this is called an estuary. An estuary has a mixture of salty and fresh water. The fresh water from the river extends out into the sea. Some of the salty water from the sea travels up the river mouth. This mixture of salt and fresh water is called brackish water. The river carries a lot of sediment as it travels from its source to its mouth. When the fresh water from the river meets the salty water from the sea, the river drops its sediment. Most is then washed away by the sea, the river and the tides. .......The THAMES BARRIER............. .........DAMS............. A dam is a barrier (wall) of earth, concrete or rock built across a river to restrict the flow of water. ............WEIRS......... A weir is an artificial wall built across a river in order to make the river deeper. ..........A LOCK............. A lock and weir system is needed where the river bed is steep and the water flows too quickly. .........FLOOD PLAIN............. The floodplain is the flat land of the river valley close to the river banks. The floodplain is usually found in the lower course of a river. It is a fertile area of land, used for agriculture and growing crops.

Features of Rivers:

Rivers are natural water bodies that play a vital role in shaping the landscape and supporting various ecosystems. They are an essential part of the hydrological cycle and provide numerous benefits to humans and the environment. Let's explore some of the key features of rivers:

1. Source:
The source of a river is the place where it originates. It can be a spring, a lake, a glacier, or even underground water. The source is usually located in high altitudes and is the starting point of the river's flow.

2. Course:
The course of a river refers to the path it takes from its source to its mouth, where it typically empties into a larger body of water, such as a lake, sea, or ocean. Rivers can have winding or meandering courses, and their length can vary significantly.

3. Tributaries:
Tributaries are smaller streams or rivers that flow into a larger river. They join the main river at various points along its course, adding to its volume and carrying additional sediment and nutrients. Tributaries are crucial for maintaining the overall health and flow of a river system.

4. Watershed:
A watershed, also known as a river basin, is the area of land that drains into a particular river and its tributaries. It is separated from adjacent watersheds by ridges or hilltops. Watersheds play a crucial role in determining the flow, quality, and quantity of water in a river.

5. Flow and Velocity:
Rivers have a continuous flow of water, driven by gravity. The speed at which water moves in a river is called its velocity. Velocity is influenced by factors such as the gradient of the riverbed, the volume of water, and the presence of obstacles. Faster-flowing rivers tend to have a higher velocity and are often found in steep mountainous regions.

6. Erosion and Sedimentation:
Rivers constantly shape the landscape through erosion and sedimentation processes. The force of moving water can erode rocks and soil, carrying away sediment downstream. This erosion contributes to the formation of valleys, canyons, and deltas. The sediment carried by rivers also plays a vital role in replenishing nutrients in floodplains and coastal areas.

7. Biodiversity:
Rivers support diverse ecosystems and provide habitats for various plant and animal species. They serve as corridors for wildlife movement and act as breeding grounds for many aquatic organisms. Rivers also provide water for irrigation, which supports agriculture and sustains human livelihoods.

8. Human Uses:
Rivers have been vital to human civilizations for centuries. They provide a source of drinking water, support transportation and trade, and facilitate hydropower generation. Rivers also offer recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, and swimming.

In conclusion, rivers are dynamic natural features with numerous characteristics and functions. They are essential for the environment, biodiversity, and human well-being, making them an integral part of our planet's ecosystems.