Question 1: Describe the main stages of a river's journey from its source to its mouth.

Answer: The main stages of a river's journey are the source (where it begins, often in upland areas), the course (the river flows downstream through various terrains), the valley (where the river may erode laterally and vertically), and the mouth (where the river flows into a sea or ocean).

Question 2: Explain what a waterfall is and how it forms in a river.

Answer: A waterfall forms when a river flows over a layer of hard rock over softer rock. The softer rock erodes faster, creating a steep drop or vertical fall, often resulting in a waterfall. This process is called vertical erosion.

Question 3: Identify and describe three different river erosion features.

Answer: Three river erosion features are: (1) a meander, which is a bend in the river forming due to lateral erosion; (2) a river cliff, the steep bank on the outside of a meander where erosion is strongest; and (3) a oxbow lake, which forms when a meander is cut off from the main river channel.

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

Answer: A floodplain is a flat area of land on either side of a river that floods during periods of high discharge. It develops through the process of river deposition during flooding, which builds up layers of silt and sediment over time.

Question 5: Describe the difference between the 'upper course' and the 'lower course' of a river.

Answer: The upper course of a river is near its source, characterized by steep gradients, vertical erosion, and features like waterfalls and V-shaped valleys. The lower course is near the river's mouth, with gentle gradients, lateral erosion, wider valleys, and features like floodplains and meanders.

Question 6: Sketch a simple diagram of a river valley showing the main features such as the river, valley sides, and floodplain. Label each part.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a cross-section with a river flowing through a V-shaped valley, with steep sides on either side, and a flat floodplain at the bottom. Labels should include: 'River,' 'Valley sides,' and 'Floodplain.'

Question 7: Explain how human activities, such as dam construction, can affect a river's natural flow and features.

Answer: Dam construction can regulate river flow, reduce downstream erosion, and prevent flooding. However, it can also disrupt ecosystems, block sediment transport, and alter natural river features such as deltas and floodplains.

Question 8: Describe what a delta is and how it forms at the mouth of a river.

Answer: A delta is a landform that forms at the mouth of a river where it meets a standing body of water, like an ocean or lake. It develops through the deposition of sediment carried by the river when the flow slows down, creating landforms like channels, islands, and marshes.

Question 9: Identify three ways in which rivers can cause erosion and explain how each works.

Answer: Three ways are: (1) hydraulic action - the force of water breaks rock material apart; (2) abrasion - the load of the river grinds against the bed and banks; (3) solution - minerals are dissolved in the water and carried away, wearing away the riverbed and banks.

Question 10: Draw a diagram showing the process of a river meander developing over time. In your sketch, include the river, the bend, and the erosion and deposition areas.

Answer: A correct diagram would illustrate a river with a bend, indicating erosion on the outer bank of the bend and deposition on the inner bank, with the bend becoming more pronounced over time, forming a meander.