How does the Bradshaw Model work?

The Bradshaw Model is a geographical model which describes how a river’s characteristics vary between the upper course and lower course of a river. It shows that discharge, occupied channel width, channel depth and average load quantity increases downstream.

What do geographers use the Bradshaw Model for?

The Bradshaw model is a theoretical model that helps describe the changes we would expect as a river travels from its source regions in its upper course with increasing distance downstream towards its mouth.

What is Bradshaw’s model trying to explain the load particle size?

Bradshaw said in his model that a river’s load size and shape (average size and shape of material transported) will also become smaller and rounder with distance from the source.

Why does the channel width and depth increase downstream?

Both width and depth increase downstream because discharge increases downstream. As discharge increases the cross sectional shape will change, with the stream becoming deeper and wider.

How do you read a Bradshaw Model?

Bradshaw Model = theoretical model that shows how a river’s characteristics change as it goes downstream. If the triangle increases in size it means that variable increases the further you go down the stream e.g. the amount of water (discharge) in the stream increases as you move down the stream.

How do you read a Bradshaw model?

What are the factors determining the flow of a river?

The factors determining the flow of a river are 1.Volume of water 2.Rock structure 3.Slope of the terrain 4. Amount of sediments.

  • Volume of water.
  • Rock structure.
  • Slope of the terrain.
  • Amount of sediments.

How does the valley shape change from source to mouth?

As a river flows down steep slopes, the water performs vertical erosion. This form of erosion cuts down towards the river bed and carves out steep-sided V-shaped valleys. As the river flows towards the mouth, the slopes become less steep.

Why does the velocity of a river decrease?

A great deal of friction is created between water molecules and these stones as the river flows past them; in rough channels, the resistance caused by this friction reduces the river’s velocity.

Does velocity increase downstream?

Because river slope generally decreases in a downstream direction, it is generally supposed that velocity of flow also decreases downstream. Analysis of some of the large number of velocity measurements made at stream-gaging stations demonstrates that mean velocity generally tends to increase downstream.

What increases river velocity?

Velocity increases as more water is added to rivers via tributary rivers. This means that less of the water is in contact with the bed of the river and the mouth so there is less energy used to overcome friction. Hence rivers flow progressively faster on their journey downstream.