River Tees: A Case Study

• Rivers shape landforms and influence human activities on Earth.
• The River Tees in the UK provides a case study for understanding river processes and landforms.

River Tees: A Case Study

• The River Tees rises in the Pennine Hills and flows eastward to the North Sea, in the north of England.
• Its course demonstrates various fluvial landforms and processes.
• The upper course has steep gradients and is dominated by erosion.
• The middle course has a gentler slope, with both erosion and deposition.
• The lower course features a very gentle slope and is dominated by deposition.

Waterfalls and V-Shaped Valleys

• Waterfalls form in a river's upper course, where resistant rock overlays less resistant rock.
• Erosion of the softer rock causes the harder rock to collapse, and the waterfall retreats upstream.
• High Force on the River Tees exhibits these processes.

V-Shaped Valleys

• V-shaped valleys are typical of a river's upper course.
• Vertical erosion forms these valleys as the river cuts down into the landscape.
• Weathering and mass movement shape the steep valley sides.
• Interlocking spurs are characteristic features within V-shaped valleys, formed as the river erodes a path of least resistance.

Meanders

• Meanders are bends in a river, found mainly in the middle and lower courses.
• Erosion and deposition create meanders.
• Water flows faster on the outside of a bend, creating lateral erosion and a river cliff.
• Slower water flow on the inside of the bend results in deposition and a slip-off slope (or point bar).
• Over time, the meander migrates across the floodplain.
• Oxbow lakes can form when a meander neck erodes, cutting off the meander from the main channel.

Water Pollution

• Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies like rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
• Industrial discharge of chemical waste is a source of water pollution.
• Agricultural runoff of fertilizers and pesticides pollutes water.
• Sewage, either untreated or poorly treated, is a source of water pollution.
• Urban runoff containing pollutants from roads contributes to water pollution.
• Water pollution harms aquatic life and poses risks to human health.
• Eutrophication (excessive nutrient enrichment) can result from water pollution.
• Stricter regulations on industrial discharge are used as a management strategy.
• Sustainable agricultural practices help manage water pollution.
• Improved sewage treatment is a management strategy.
• Public awareness and education are key to managing water pollution.

Water Supply

• Water supply is the provision of water for human needs, like drinking, sanitation, agriculture, and industry.
• Rivers and lakes are sources of water supply.
• Groundwater aquifers provide water.
• Reservoirs store water for supply.
• Desalination plants are water supply sources.
• Water treatment is essential for safe human consumption.
• Filtration removes solid particles during water treatment.
• Sedimentation allows heavier particles to settle.
• Chlorination disinfects water.
• Water distribution uses a network of pipes and pumping stations.
• Water scarcity occurs due to climate change and population growth.
• Aging infrastructure leads to leaks and inefficiencies.
• Water pollution reduces the availability of clean water.
• Water conservation measures support sustainable water management.
• Efficient irrigation techniques promote sustainable water management.
• Rainwater harvesting is a sustainable water management practice.
• Water reuse and recycling are an important part of sustainable water management.