# Explain how a river develops from its source to its mouth including the physical features found at each stage

Source: https://projectgcse.co.uk/geography/water/how_a_river_develops_from_its_source_to_its_mouth

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There are three main stages of a river. Under each stage are 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