Rejuvenation

A river is said to be rejuvenated if its base level is lowered.

• A river's base level can be lowered by either the ground level rising (crustal uplift) or by a drop in sea level
• This drop in base level gives the river greater potential energy, increasing is vertical energy potential
• The long profile of the river is extended and a knickpoint (sharp change in gradient e.g. waterfall) will form and mark the junction between the original long profile and the new one

River terraces

• Former floodplains that have been left above the level of present-day flooding following increased vertical erosion

Incised meanders

• Formed when a river keeps its meandering course as vertical erosion increases. The result is a deep, winding valley with steep sides.