Cross profile

A cross profile is a slice across a river or valley, at right angles to the direction of flow. A channel cross profile shows the bed and banks; a valley cross profile extends across the surrounding land as well.

A cross profile cuts across the river at right angles to its flow. A channel cross profile shows the width and depth of the water-filled channel. A valley cross profile includes the surrounding slopes and valley floor.

Change: “How does the channel cross-profile change downstream along River Y?” A cross-profile is a section across the channel, showing its width and depth.