What are the three factors that affect a rivers flow?

1. Gradient: The steeper the gradient, the faster the river will flow. This is because gravity pulls the water down the slope, creating a greater force that pushes the water along.

2. Channel shape: A wide, shallow channel will slow down the flow of a river, while a narrow, deep channel will speed it up. This is because the water in a wide channel has more room to spread out and slow down, while the water in a narrow channel is more concentrated and has less resistance.

3. Discharge: The amount of water that flows through a river is called its discharge. The greater the discharge, the faster the river will flow. This is because the more water there is, the greater the force that is pushing it along.