City Sailingvideo
Thames Upper Middle and Lower Courses
February 10, 2021 · 7 min · 1K views
What this video covers
The River Thames flows from its source at Kemble through three distinct geographical stages: the upper, middle, and lower courses. The upper course features faster water flow and primary erosion, creating V-shaped valleys. As the river transitions into the middle course, it slows, widens, and develops meanders, oxbow lakes, and alternating zones of erosion and deposition. The lower course, characterized by significant deposition, forms the Thames Estuary with extensive sandbanks and mud bars. Navigation on the Thames begins after the upper section, with Teddington Lock marking the transition point where the river becomes tidal. Downstream, the Thames Barrier provides flood protection for the London area. The river passes through central London, including King's Reach and the Isle of Dogs, before emptying into the Thames Estuary.
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