How Are Knickpoints Formed?

Knickpoints are formed by the influence of tectonics, climate history, and/or lithology. For example, uplift along a fault over which a river is flowing will often result in an unusually steep reach along a channel, known as a knickzone. Glaciation resulting in a hanging valley are often prime spots for knickpoints.

What is meant by a knickpoint?

A knickpoint is defined as a steep region along a river profile and can vary in form from a single waterfall to a high-gradient region extending for many kilometers.

What causes rejuvenation of a stream?

Streams are rejuvenated when they are suddenly brought far above their base level, after having evolved closed to base level. Rejuvenation can occur either by changes in base level (such as sea level changes between ice ages and warmer periods) or tectonic changes in the elevation of the land (uplift or subsidence.