# Stages of a river

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

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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