River Landscape

Rivers are flowing bodies of waters. There are rivers on every continent (except Antarctica). A river basically, has three parts. We call them the courses of a river. This lesson on river landscape (also called riverscape) explains to you about these courses or stages of a river and their wildlife.

Where do rivers begin?

Most rivers begin in hills or mountains.

Where do rivers end?

Rivers flow down to the sea and end there. Many plant and animals live in or near rivers.

River Landscape

Uses of rivers

Rivers are an important part of the Earth’s water cycle
They carry huge quantities of water from the land to the sea
They provide a home, drinking water, and/or a hunting ground for many organisms
Furthermore, rivers provide drinking water, irrigation water, transportation, hydro-electrical power, drainage, food, and recreation opportunities

In this lesson we are going to learn about the courses of a river and their wild life.

Courses of a river and River Wildlife

Upper Course

The upper course of a river is often in steep, mountain areas. This section of a river is cold, clear and fast-flowing. It has a very steep slope. When the river flows down through the upper course the river channel becomes narrow. This creates vertical erosion forming a V-shaped valley. Waterfalls are also, usually formed at this stage.

Rivers with steep slopes form valleys with steep walls and a bottom. Valleys formed by shallower slopes may be broader and gentler.

Upper course wildlife

moss covered boulders (A large smooth mass of rock detached from its place of origin)
Salmon and sea trout may well lay their eggs in these headwaters
Highland birds like peregrine falcons and dippers can be found nearby
Trout sometimes known as the Troutbeck
Many insects such as stonefly and mayfly species
otters and grey wagtails
Insect larvae live in the water and adults fly around the area

Middle Course

Rivers often meander (follow a winding path) along their middle course. It is less steep and has a moderate flow of water. The bottom becomes a mixture of silt and gravel. We call this deposition. At this stage small meanders or bends and small flood plains can be formed. Oxbow lakes may also be formed.

Middle course wildlife

Trout can be found in the Middle Course of the river
A variety of birds including the kingfisher live here
Salmon and minnows eat water shrimps, crayfish and insects
Kingfishers and herons eat salmon and minnows
Mammals like otters are carnivorous predators and eating mainly frogs and fish

Lower Course

The Lower Course is where the river flows gently because of its gentle slope, and also it looks like a lake habitat. This winding lowland parts of a river contain muddy, slightly warmer water, which flows more slowly. Plants grow in the bed of the river and at its edges. It also contains a deposition. Large meanders, large flood plains as well as oxbow lakes can be formed at this stage.

This river has meanders with large winding bends

Lower course wildlife

Dragonflies
Many other species of insects
Pike
Perch
Roach
Bream
Swans
Moorhen
Water voles

Other stages of a river

a) Estuary

b) Meanders

c) Tributaries

d) Waterfall

e) Oxbow Lake

f) Flood plain

g) Marsh

h) Delta

Hope you’ve enjoyed learning about river landscape!

Written By : K8School