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2.3.1 Headwater Region (Youthful Stage) Erosion

In the headwater region (youthful stage), a stream or river is characterized by downward rather than lateral erosion. Initially, the topography will be relatively slight and drainage poor. As erosion continues, narrow stream valleys will form between broad uplands. In the fully developed headwater regions, the steep V-shaped valley slopes predominate.


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River valley cross section: headwater, erosional regime
River valley cross section: headwater, erosional regime
Original drawing by B.Z. Saylor
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
River valley cross section: headwater, erosional regime  Large boulders in stream, Hawkinsville, New York.  Pothole erosion in solid granite, Sierra Nevada Mount, California. 

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