Long profile

A long profile is a side view along the length of a river. It shows how the river’s height and gradient change from source to mouth. Gradient means steepness: a large fall in height over a short distance gives a steep gradient.

A long profile is a side view of the river from source to mouth. It shows how height and gradient change. A typical long profile is concave: steep near the source, then becoming progressively gentler towards the mouth.

A long profile follows the river downstream and shows how its height and gradient change. A cross-profile cuts across it: a channel cross-profile shows the river’s width and depth, while a valley cross-profile includes the valley floor and surrounding slopes.