River Landscapes Topic

This unit provides a clear, specification-aligned introduction to river landscapes, using the River Tees as the AQA case study. It covers river processes and drainage basins, then explores how the upper, middle, and lower course of a river change in terms of landforms, channel characteristics, and processes.

Students examine key Tees landforms such as V-shaped valleys, High Force waterfall, meanders, floodplains, and the estuary. The unit also covers flooding, including causes, impacts, and the interpretation of storm hydrographs, before moving on to hard and soft engineering strategies and the specific management of the River Tees.

Guided reading tasks and embedded exam-style questions support understanding and prepare students for AQA assessment, with opportunities to practise describe, explain, and evaluate questions throughout the unit.