Mountain river

Mountain rivers are a type of river, which flow in narrow, deep valleys with steep banks, rocky stream beds, and typically accumulated rock debris. They are characterized by high slope and flow velocity, insignificant depth and frequent rapids and waterfalls. The stream gradient of a mountain river is normally significantly greater than typical rivers. They play an essential role in shaping the surrounding landscape through erosion and deposition, creating deep valleys, gorges, and waterfalls. Waterfalls are known to contribute to the erosion profile of mountain rivers as the water descends from the mountain. Pollution by humans has affected mountain rivers and their river ecology, influencing both their bacterial ecosystems as well as temperature due to climate change. Mountain rivers are some of the most vulnerable to increases in temperature, which causes drying that affects the water supply for many people. Since the 2000s, there has been an increase in restoration and rehabilitation of mountain rivers.