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Formation of erosional and depositional features in river landscapesRivers on OS maps

There are recognisable features found in river landscapes that can be explained by processes of erosion and also by deposition.

Part of GeographyHydrosphere

Rivers on OS maps

OS map extract featuring the River Cree
Figure caption,
Ordnance Survey River Cree 漏 Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey 100039117

The map extract shows the River Cree in south-west Scotland. By following the route of the river, it is possible to describe the main . When describing river features we mean natural features not man-made ones.

In this OS map extract:

  • At 400670 the River Cree joins the map. It is flowing in a south-easterly direction. We know this because the river gets wider as it nears the estuary/mouth of the river.
  • At 410664 a tributary joins the river at a . The river now flows south around an . The valley is relatively narrow (you can see close to the river on both sides).
  • At 416647 the river becomes . We know this because the edge of the river changes from blue to black.
  • At 417642 there is a meander. The river valley now broadens out to more than two kilometres wide, covering two grid squares.
  • At 422641 the river begins a series of large meanders. There is an on the south bank of the river - this could be a natural .
  • The neck of the meander at 425637 could eventually be broken through by the river to form an oxbow lake.
  • At 429640 the river starts to widen and mud/silt is showing in its bed.
  • Many now join the river 鈥 434623 (the Brushy Burn) 441627 (The Lane) 453624 (Palnure Burn).
  • The river is now flowing in a very flat, wide and low-lying valley (7m and 5m spot heights). This has resulted in at 452612, 456606 and 465590.
  • The river enters its at 467580.

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