• in upper reaches (usu. mtns), streams are more straight and incised
  
  • creates steep canyon walls, exposed bedrock
  • stream profile of upper reaches is "V" shaped valley or gorges
  • some are "U" shaped like Yosemite from past glaciation
    

• in lower reaches - meandering stream and floodplain
  • significantly reduced, low gradient
    • Sacramento Valley
    • more deposition, limited incising

Characteristics of meandering stream and flood plain:

• cut banks - erosion occurs on outside of banks
  • cork-screw current carves away material
  • widens channel and flood plain
• sand bars or point bars - deposition occurs on inside of banks
  • slower current settles material out of suspension

• natural levees - during flood events when heaviest and densest material drops out first
• back swamps -sloughs of remaining water remains to create seasonal wetlands
• bluffs - usually demarcate furthest extent of floodplain
  
  • City of Red Bluff on Sacramento River

Deltas broad triangular shape, such as Nile River (Greek letter) reduced load capacity, deposition and clogged channels maze of outlets richest habitat severely threatened by diversions and pollution Sac. / San Joaquin delta Colorado River delta