Stages of a river

There are three main stages of a river. Under each stage as some of the most popular characteristics found at each stage.

Youthful stage / upper stage / mountain stage

• Steep gradient
• Pot holes common
• V shaped valley
• Fast current
• Rapids
• Waterfalls

Mature stage / middle stage / valley stage

• Less steep than youthful stage
• U shaped valley
• Slower current
• Some meanders

Senile stage / lower stage / plain stage

• Shallow gradient
• Flat flood plain
• Slow current
• Meanders
• Ox bow lakes
• Levees
• Deltas