Animated Rivers
Click here to find out about the different ways in which rivers transport their load, including traction, suspension, solution and saltation .
In upland areas, river erosion often leads to the formation of V-shaped valleys with interlocking spurs .
Click here to see, stage-by-stage, the processes leading to the formation of a waterfall. Waterfalls usually erode head ward leading to the formation of gorges .
Click here for a stagy-by-stage explanation of the formation of oxbow lakes from meanders.
Click here (School Members only) to see how river meanders help to develop a river's floodplain with ox-bow lakes, meander scars, point bar deposits and under-cut river banks. The animation then shows the formation of river terraces and natural levees.
Click here (School Members only) for a more detailed animation to show the formation of ox-bow lakes and meander scars.
Click here to see the features of a floodplain including levees, terraces and floodplain deposits.
Click here to see how river deposits are sorted as they are deposited in a river delta.
Click here to see how the East Lyn in North Devon has been "captured" by the sea, leading to an abandoned channel in the Valley of the Rocks and to the formation of a the deep gorge in which the Lyn now flows.
Click here to see how a HEP (hydro-electric power) plant works.
Limestone scenery is closely linked to the action of rivers, or at least running water. Click here (External Link) for a link to BBC Scotland's pages on Upland Limestone. If you explore, you will find plenty of Flash animations and other useful resources.