Question 1: Define 'erosion' in the context of river landscapes.

Answer: Erosion is the wearing away of the river bed and banks by water, often through processes like hydraulic action, abrasion, and attrition.

Question 2: What is 'transportation' in river processes? Provide an example.

Answer: Transportation is the movement of eroded material downstream, such as sediments carried by the river during suspension or saltation.

Question 3: Explain 'deposition' and give a common feature formed by it.

Answer: Deposition is the process where sediments are dropped by the river, forming features like floodplains and deltas.

Question 4: Name the main river in the UK known for its meanders and flooding issues.

Answer: The River Thames.

Question 5: Identify two types of erosion that occur in river landscapes.

Answer: Hydraulic action and abrasion.

Question 1: Which process is primarily responsible for deepening a river valley during its youth stage?

Answer: Erosion

Question 2: Name the type of river erosion that involves the wearing away of the riverbed by water gushing into cracks.

Answer: Hydraulic action

Question 3: Describe how a river's load changes from its upper course to its lower course.

Answer: In the upper course, the load mainly consists of large particles like boulders and gravel due to erosion. In the lower course, the load is finer, such as silt and clay, as material is broken down during transportation.

Question 4: What is a floodplain, and how is it formed?

Answer: A floodplain is a flat area adjacent to a river, formed by the deposition of sediments during frequent flooding, creating fertile land.

Question 5: Explain the concept of a delta and give an example in the UK.

Answer: A delta is a landform at the mouth of a river where it deposits sediments as it enters a standing body of water. An example in the UK is the Thames Estuary delta.

Question 1: Read the case study below: The River Severn is the longest river in the UK, flowing through Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, and Shropshire. It experiences frequent flooding, especially in the Severn Vale, which is a low-lying floodplain. The river's high volume during heavy rainfall causes significant erosion of its banks and deposition downstream, often leading to flood events that impact local communities. Based on this information, answer the following:

Answer: The River Severn's extensive floodplain and high volume contribute to frequent flooding and erosion. Flood management strategies such as levees and flood barriers are used to reduce impacts, but challenges remain due to climate change and increased rainfall.

Question 2: Identify the main processes contributing to the flooding of the Severn Vale.

Answer: Heavy rainfall leading to high river discharge, and erosion of river banks reducing capacity.

Question 3: Explain how human activities, like urban development near the river, might influence flooding in the Severn Valley.

Answer: Urban development increases impermeable surfaces, reducing infiltration and increasing surface runoff, which raises river levels and flood risk. It can also lead to bank destabilization, further worsening erosion.

Question 4: Discuss how the construction of flood defenses has impacted the natural river processes along the Severn.

Answer: Flood defenses like levees and embankments reduce flooding in populated areas but can disrupt natural sediment transport and floodplain ecology. They may also lead to increased erosion downstream and reduce the river's natural ability to deposit sediments, affecting habitat diversity.

Question 1: Analyse the causes of river meanders forming in the middle course of UK rivers such as the Thames.

Answer: River meanders develop in the middle course due to lateral erosion and the flow of water around bends. Variations in river velocity cause erosion on the outer banks and deposition on inner banks, accentuating bends. Gentle gradients and abundant load also promote meander development.

Question 2: Explain why floodplains are important for managing flood risks in areas like the Somerset Levels.

Answer: Floodplains act as natural buffers by absorbing excess water during floods, reducing the impact on settlements. They also support agriculture and ecosystems, but require careful management to balance flood control and land use.

Question 1: To what extent are current flood management strategies along the River Thames effective in reducing flood risk?

Answer: Flood management strategies like flood barriers, dredging, and warning systems have been effective in reducing the frequency and severity of floods in central London. However, challenges such as climate change, rising sea levels, and urban growth mean that these strategies may not be sufficient alone. A combination of hard engineering and sustainable land use planning is needed for long-term effectiveness.

Question 2: Evaluate the environmental impacts of erosion control measures along UK rivers.

Answer: Erosion control measures such as bank reinforcement and river straightening reduce flood risk and protect infrastructure but can disrupt natural habitats, reduce biodiversity, and alter sediment transport. Sustainable approaches should balance flood management with conservation goals.