Question 1: What is a 'source' of a river?

Answer: The starting point of a river, usually in the highlands or mountains.

Question 2: Define 'meander'.

Answer: A winding curve or bend in a river.

Question 3: What is 'deposition' in river processes?

Answer: The laying down of sediment carried by the river when it slows down.

Question 4: Name the main features of a river's upper course.

Answer: V-shaped valleys, waterfalls, steep gradients.

Question 5: Give an example of a major river in the UK.

Answer: The River Thames.

Question 1: Which river is the longest in the world?

Answer: The Amazon River

Question 2: Describe the main stages in a river's life cycle.

Answer: Source, upper course, middle course, lower course, and mouth, with processes like erosion, transportation, and deposition occurring at each stage.

Question 3: Name two factors that influence the speed of a river.

Answer: Gradient (slope) and volume of water.

Question 4: What is the significance of a river's estuary?

Answer: It is where the river meets the sea, often forming a habitat for diverse wildlife and a site for human activity like ports.

Question 1: Based on the River Thames, explain how urban areas influence river flooding.

Answer: Urban areas like London increase flood risk because of impermeable surfaces such as concrete and asphalt, which prevent water absorption, leading to faster runoff into the river, especially during heavy rain.

Question 2: Identify two measures used in London to manage flooding of the Thames.

Answer: Construction of flood barriers (e.g., Thames Barrier) and creation of flood storage areas to control water flow.

Question 3: Discuss the environmental and social impacts of flooding along the Thames.

Answer: Environmental impacts include erosion and habitat loss; social impacts involve damage to homes, disruption of transport, and economic costs.

Question 4: Evaluate the effectiveness of flood management strategies used on the Thames.

Answer: Flood management strategies like the Thames Barrier have been effective in preventing major floods, but they require ongoing maintenance and are vulnerable to extreme weather events. Combining engineering solutions with sustainable land use planning offers the best protection.

Question 1: Explain why meanders form in the middle and lower courses of a river.

Answer: Meanders develop due to lateral erosion on the outer bends and deposition on the inner bends, creating winding curves. These processes are more prominent in flatter areas where the river's velocity decreases.

Question 2: Analyze the causes of river flooding in urban areas like Sheffield.

Answer: Causes include heavy rainfall, rapid runoff due to impermeable surfaces, insufficient drainage capacity, and deforestation upstream reducing interception and absorption.

Question 3: Describe how human activities can alter river environments.

Answer: Activities like dam construction, urban development, and deforestation can change natural flow patterns, increase erosion, reduce sediment transport, and increase flood risk.

Question 1: To what extent are hard engineering solutions effective in managing river floods? Consider benefits and drawbacks.

Answer: Hard engineering solutions like dams and levees are effective in controlling floods and protecting properties but can have negative impacts such as disrupting ecosystems, causing downstream erosion, and high costs. Their effectiveness depends on proper maintenance and integration with sustainable land use planning, making them a valuable but not sole solution.

Question 2: Evaluate the social and environmental impacts of river management strategies used in the Amazon basin.

Answer: Strategies like floodplain zoning and reforestation help reduce flood risks and preserve biodiversity, benefiting local communities and ecosystems. However, large-scale infrastructure projects can lead to displacement of communities, loss of habitats, and disruption of traditional livelihoods. A balanced approach considering ecological and social factors is essential for sustainable management.