Question 1: Describe the process of river erosion and identify two types of erosion that occur in a river.

Answer: River erosion involves the wearing away of the riverbank and bed by the moving water. Two types of erosion are hydraulic action (force of water breaking rock apart) and abrasion (sediment grinding against the riverbed and banks).

Question 2: Explain the difference between a v-shaped valley and a floodplain in terms of river processes.

Answer: A v-shaped valley is formed by vertical erosion during the river's youthful stage, creating steep sides. A floodplain is formed by lateral erosion and deposition during the mature stage, resulting in a flat area alongside the river.

Question 3: Identify and describe three river landforms created by deposition.

Answer: Three landforms created by deposition are: (1) Deltas, where sediment is deposited at the river's mouth forming new land; (2) Levees, which are raised banks of sediment along the riverbanks during floods; (3) Alluvial fans, which form where a river deposits sediment as it leaves a mountain range onto a flatter plain.

Question 4: Explain how a meander forms in a river. Include in your answer the processes involved.

Answer: A meander forms when the river erodes the outer banks and deposits sediment on the inner banks, creating curves. This process involves lateral erosion on the outside bend and deposition on the inside bend, gradually increasing the curvature.

Question 5: Draw a cross-section of a river showing the riverbank, bed, and the flow direction. Label each part.

Answer: A correct sketch would depict a horizontal cross-section with the river flowing from left to right. The riverbed is the bottom layer, the banks are the sides, and arrows indicate flow direction. Label the riverbed, banks, and flow direction.

Question 6: Describe what happens during a flood in a river system and mention two effects on the surrounding environment.

Answer: During a flood, the river overflows its banks and spreads onto the floodplain, depositing sediment and eroding land. Effects include damage to habitats and property, and increased nutrient levels in the soil, which benefits agriculture.

Question 7: What is the water cycle and how does it relate to river flow?

Answer: The water cycle is the continuous movement of water between the atmosphere, land, and oceans through processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff. It supplies water to rivers through rainfall and influences river flow levels.

Question 8: List and briefly explain two human activities that can impact river systems.

Answer: Activities include: (1) Deforestation, which reduces water absorption and increases runoff, leading to more frequent flooding; (2) Urban development, which increases impermeable surfaces and accelerates water flow into rivers, causing erosion and pollution.

Question 9: Sketch a diagram to show the stages of a river from its source to its mouth. Include key features for each stage.

Answer: A correct sketch should show three main stages: the upper course with a steep gradient, v-shaped valley, and waterfalls; the middle course with wider valley, meanders, and floodplains; the lower course with a broad floodplain, estuary, and delta at the mouth.