Riffles and Pools

Along rivers there are patterns of deep patches, and shallow patches, called riffles and pools. Usually a riffle will occur on a straight stretch of river, while a pool will be on the bend. The diagram to the left shows a typical riffle and pool pattern which could be expected on the meandering lower course of a river.

Riffles

(Occurs in straight stretch of river, where erosion is evenly spread.)

• Lower core velocity, but often higher overall velocity.
• Flat, even channel bed.
• Shallower than pools.

Pools

(Occur on corners of river, where erosion is more concentrated on the outside of the bend.)

• Higer core velocity, but often lower overall velocity.
• River cliff develops.

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