Question 1: Define the term 'watershed' and give an example of a major watershed in the UK.

Answer: A watershed is the area of land where all the water drains into a common outlet, such as a river or lake. Example: The River Thames basin.

Question 2: What is 'meander' and how does it form?

Answer: A meander is a winding bend in a river, formed by lateral erosion in the river’s middle course.

Question 3: Explain 'fluvial processes' with two examples.

Answer: Fluvial processes are the actions of rivers in shaping landscapes, including erosion and deposition. Examples: hydraulic action and alluviation.

Question 4: Name the three main stages of a river's course.

Answer: Upper course, middle course, lower course

Question 1: Where is the source of the River Severn located?

Answer: The source of the River Severn is in the Cambrian Mountains in Wales.

Question 2: Describe two key features found in the middle course of a river.

Answer: Features include meanders and slip-off slopes.

Question 3: What processes cause erosion in the upper course of a river?

Answer: Processes include hydraulic action, abrasion, and attrition.

Question 4: Name a major UK river that flows through London.

Answer: River Thames

Question 1: Based on the case study of the River Thames, identify two major challenges it faces today.

Answer: Flooding during heavy rainfall and pollution from urban runoff.

Question 2: Describe the flood management strategies implemented along the River Thames.

Answer: Strategies include the construction of flood barriers, improved drainage systems, and floodplain zoning.

Question 3: Explain how urban development has impacted the river's flow and pollution levels.

Answer: Urban development increases runoff and pollution, leading to higher flood risks and water quality issues.

Question 4: Evaluate the effectiveness of flood defenses on the Thames in reducing flood risk.

Answer: Flood defenses like the Thames Barrier have been effective in preventing major floods, but challenges remain due to climate change and rising sea levels. Overall, they significantly reduce flood risk but require ongoing maintenance and upgrades.

Question 1: Explain why meanders form in the middle course of a river.

Answer: Meanders form due to lateral erosion on the outer bends and deposition on the inner bends, creating winding curves as the river erodes its banks over time.

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

Answer: Causes include heavy rainfall overwhelming drainage systems, high impervious surfaces increasing runoff, and the river's capacity being exceeded during storm events.

Question 3: Explain how human activities can lead to river pollution.

Answer: Activities like industrial discharge, sewage disposal, and agricultural runoff introduce pollutants into rivers, harming ecosystems and making water unsafe.

Question 1: To what extent are current flood management strategies along the River Thames successful in reducing flood risk? Consider both advantages and limitations in your answer.

Answer: Flood management strategies like the Thames Barrier have been largely successful in preventing catastrophic floods, especially during storm surges. They provide a crucial defense for London and surrounding areas. However, limitations include the increasing frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change, which may outpace existing defenses. Additionally, some strategies can impact local ecosystems and floodplain development. Overall, while effective, these measures require ongoing adaptation and investment to address future challenges.