Distinctive landscapes in the UK - OCRErosive power of major UK rivers

The physical landscape of the UK has distinctive characteristics and includes upland and lowland areas. The landscape has been shaped by glaciation, rivers, and the sea.

Part ofGeographyDistinctive landscapes

Erosive power of major UK rivers

The erosive power of rivers has shaped the of the land in the UK.

Avon and Thames: south England. Great Ouse: east England. Wye and Severn: western England and Wales. Trent: Midlands. Tyne: northeast England. Spey, Tay and Tweed: Scotland.

The major river systems in the UK are:

NameApproximate length (km)Countries run through
Severn354Wales and England
Thames346England (South)
Tyne321England (North East)
Trent298England
Great Ouse230England (Centre)
Wye215Wales and England
Tay188Scotland
Spey172Scotland
Tweed156Scotland and England
Avon154England (Midlands and South West)
NameSevern
Approximate length (km)354
Countries run throughWales and England
NameThames
Approximate length (km)346
Countries run throughEngland (South)
NameTyne
Approximate length (km)321
Countries run throughEngland (North East)
NameTrent
Approximate length (km)298
Countries run throughEngland
NameGreat Ouse
Approximate length (km)230
Countries run throughEngland (Centre)
NameWye
Approximate length (km)215
Countries run throughWales and England
NameTay
Approximate length (km)188
Countries run throughScotland
NameSpey
Approximate length (km)172
Countries run throughScotland
NameTweed
Approximate length (km)156
Countries run throughScotland and England
NameAvon
Approximate length (km)154
Countries run throughEngland (Midlands and South West)
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