- Begins at the source (usually a high point in the landscape).
- Steep gradient (rapids and waterfalls common)
- V-shaped valley
- Erosion is a dominant process.
- Smaller sediment particles transported due to high energy
Middle Course:
- In between upper and lower courses
- Gradient of the river decreases somewhat
- Begins to deposit coarser sediment as energy is reducing.
- Formation of flood plain areas
- Meanders may begin to form
Lower Course:
- Reaches a low-lying area
- Gradient is gentlest
- Wide floodplains and deposition are dominant processes.
- River meets a body of water (lake or ocean)
- Very fine sediment deposited here.
