What type of flow pattern is characteristic of a river's upper course?

In the upper course of a river, the flow pattern is typically characterized by fast, turbulent flow. This is primarily due to the steep gradient and the rocky, uneven bed of the river in this section. As water rushes downhill, it gains speed and encounters obstacles such as rocks and boulders, which create turbulence.

This turbulent flow is important because it allows the river to effectively erode the landscape, carving out valleys and shaping the overall topography. The fast flow is also responsible for transporting sediment and debris, which plays a critical role in the river’s geological processes.

In contrast, areas with meandering flow are typically found in the middle or lower courses of rivers, where the gradient is less steep and the flow can curve more easily. Slow, calm flow often characterizes lower courses where sediment settles and the slope is gentle. Laminar flow, characterized by smooth and streamlined movement, is rarely found in the upper course, as the turbulent flow dominates this region.