Which of the following features is found in the upper course of a river?

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which feature belongs to the upper course (also called the youthful stage) of a river.

Step 2: Explain the concept A river has three main courses, and each has typical features:

• Upper course (youthful stage): The river is close to its source, usually in highland or mountainous areas. The gradient is steep, so the river erodes vertically (downcutting). Typical features: V-shaped valleys, waterfalls, rapids, interlocking spurs, potholes, and gorges.
• Middle course (mature stage): Lateral (sideways) erosion increases. Typical features: meanders, river cliffs, slip-off slopes, and floodplains.
• Lower course (old stage): The river is slow and wide with a gentle gradient, so deposition dominates. Typical features: levees, ox-bow lakes, braided channels, floodplains, and deltas.

Step 3: Check each option

• A. Levee: A raised bank built from deposited sediment during floods. It is a lower-course feature.
• B. Gorge: A deep, narrow, steep-sided valley formed by strong vertical erosion, often where a waterfall retreats upstream. It is an upper-course feature.
• C. Ox-bow lake: Formed when a meander is cut off. This happens in the lower course, where meanders are large.
• D. Delta: Formed where the river deposits sediment at its mouth as it enters the sea or a lake. It is a lower-course feature.

Step 4: Answer The only feature formed mainly by vertical erosion in the highland section of the river is the gorge, so the correct option is B.

Exam tip: Remember it this way: Upper = Erosion = Up in the hills (gorges, waterfalls, V-shaped valleys, rapids). Lower = Deposition = Down near the sea (levees, ox-bow lakes, deltas). If an option involves dropping sediment, it belongs to the lower course.