A River's Story [worksheet 1]

Read the story and answer the questions on worksheet 2 below

Rain falls in the hills, the water collects on the slopes, eventually forming streams. These form the source or start of the river. As the slopes are steep, the water runs swiftly. The streams current is strong enough to move stones and pebbles, these cut into the streams bed, making both the river and valley deeper.

More and more streams join the main river. These streams are called tributaries. The river may form a waterfall which has a deep pool below. The force of the water wears away the rock, so over time, the waterfall moves further and further upstream. When this happens a deep narrow valley forms which is called a gorge.

As the land gets flatter, the rivers flow becomes slower. It becomes wider and begins to wind in great loops across the valley, these are called meanders.

The valley is a lot flatter. This area will flood if there is a heavy rainstorm or a long period of rainfall in the hills. This causes the rivers level to rise due to the increased amount of water.

Eventually the river reaches the sea. The wide river mouth is called an estuary. The water flows very slowly and the river drops a lot of its load, or silt.

On the diagram, label the following features:

estuary     gorge     meander    source     tributary     waterfall

1) What is another name for the start of a river?    [Help]

2) Why is the river valley made deeper?    [Help]

3) How is a gorge formed?    [Help]

4) When may a river flood? Why?    [Help]

5) Colour the picture in.   [click here to get b & w picture]