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How a river is formed - flood plains and sandbanks

The River Bann in Northern Ireland has flood plains on either side, which are good for farming as the land is flat and fertile. Further downstream, as another river joins the Bann, its channel widens to hold extra water. When flooding occurs, the banks of the river will be eroded. If the water levels are lower, then materials will be deposited and potentially cause sandbanks. When the river reaches the sea, which is the final stage of its course, it is called the barmouth. The river flows more slowly here due to the fact that the land is flatter with many more deposits.

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2 minutes