Geomorphology of temperate rivers

Small headwater tributaries usually flow within steep-sided V-shape valleys. Further down the river network the valley sides tend to be less steep and the valley bottom is often infilled with sediments. Here the river is separated from the valley sides by more or less extensive flood-plain. Sometimes bordered by terraces, remnants of former active floodplains form stair-like features up valley sides. However, this generalized change in the downstream character of rivers and river valleys masks considerable variability.