Question 1: Describe the process of erosion that occurs on the outside bend of a river meander.

Answer: Erosion occurs on the outside bend due to the faster flow of water, which causes the river to wear away the riverbank through hydraulic action and abrasion, gradually forming a steep river cliff.

Question 2: Explain why the mouth of a river often forms a delta.

Answer: A delta forms at a river's mouth because the river slows down as it enters a larger body of water, causing it to deposit heavy sediments. These deposits build up over time, creating a landform with distributaries that spread out into the sea or lake.

Question 3: Identify and describe two features of a river’s upper course.

Answer: Two features of the upper course are: 1) V-shaped valleys, formed by vertical erosion creating steep sides; 2) Waterfalls, where a layer of resistant rock overlays softer rock, causing the river to plunge vertically.

Question 4: Explain how the velocity of a river changes from its upper course to its lower course.

Answer: The velocity of a river tends to increase downstream due to a wider channel and increased volume of water, which reduces friction. In the upper course, velocity is slower because of a narrower channel and more friction with the bed and banks.

Question 5: Describe the process of deposition in a river and where it commonly occurs.

Answer: Deposition occurs when a river loses energy and drops its sediments. It commonly occurs in the lower course, especially at the river’s mouth, in areas like floodplains, or within meanders where flow slows.

Question 6: Draw a simple diagram to illustrate a river’s cross-section in the middle course, labeling the riverbank, riverbed, and main flow direction.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a cross-section with a wider, more meandering channel, the river flowing from left to right, with labeled riverbank (left and right sides), riverbed at the bottom, and arrows indicating flow direction.

Question 7: Explain how a meander forms and develops over time.

Answer: A meander forms when a river flows over a wide, flat floodplain, and the current erodes the outer banks while depositing sediments on the inner banks, creating bends. Over time, these bends become more pronounced due to continued erosion and deposition.

Question 8: Describe the difference between a youthful and an old river in terms of their features and flow characteristics.

Answer: A youthful river has a steep gradient, rapid flow, and features like waterfalls and V-shaped valleys. An old river has a gentle gradient, slower flow, and features like wide floodplains, meanders, and oxbow lakes.

Question 9: Explain why floodplains are important in river landscapes.

Answer: Floodplains are important because they act as natural buffers during floods, absorbing excess water and sediments, which helps protect inland areas; they also provide fertile land for agriculture.

Question 10: Identify two environmental impacts of human activities such as dam construction or river straightening on river systems.

Answer: Human activities like dam construction can reduce sediment flow and disrupt ecosystems, while river straightening speeds up flow, increasing flood risk downstream and reducing habitat diversity.