Stages of Valley Development . Youth Stream downcutting to establish a graded condition with its base level. Steep gradient with a relatively straight course. V-shaped valley Rapids and waterfalls. Mature Downward erosion diminishes and lateral erosion dominates.
Meanders begin to form in newly developing floodplain.
Gradient is relatively low. Old age Flood plain several times wider than its meander belt. River reworks its unconsolidated floodplain deposits. Deposition rather than erosion is the norm. Meanders and oxbow lakes are widespread.