Question 1: Describe the journey of a water droplet from a mountain source to the river mouth, including key features it passes through.

Answer: The water droplet starts in a mountain source, where it collects in small streams. It flows downhill through steep, narrow valleys, forming a river. Along the way, it may pass through waterfalls, rapids, and V-shaped valleys. As it reaches flatter land, it widens into a floodplain, slows down, and eventually reaches the river mouth, where it flows into the sea.

Question 2: Explain the difference between a river's upper course and its lower course, focusing on features and processes.

Answer: The upper course of a river is near its source, characterized by steep gradients, narrow channels, and features like waterfalls and V-shaped valleys. Erosion is dominant here. The lower course is near the river's mouth, with gentler slopes, wider and deeper channels, and features like floodplains and estuaries. Deposition is more common in the lower course.

Question 3: Identify and describe two erosional landforms created by rivers in their upper course.

Answer: Two erosional landforms are waterfalls, where the river drops over a resistant rock layer creating a vertical drop, and V-shaped valleys, formed by vertical erosion cutting into the landscape, creating steep sides.

Question 4: Explain how a meander forms in a river's middle course.

Answer: A meander forms when the river erodes the outer banks of a bend through lateral erosion and deposits sediment on the inner banks. Over time, the bend becomes more pronounced, creating a winding curve in the river.

Question 5: Describe the process of river deposition and where it is most likely to occur in a river’s journey.

Answer: River deposition occurs when the river loses energy and drops sediment it was carrying. It is most likely to occur in the lower course, on floodplains, or at the river mouth where the water slows down.

Question 6: Sketch a simple diagram of a river's cross-section in its upper course, showing the channel, banks, and valley sides. Label each part.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a narrow V-shaped valley with steep, sloping sides. The river channel is at the bottom, with banks on either side. The valley sides are steep and the channel relatively narrow.

Question 7: Draw a diagram to illustrate how a waterfall forms. Include the river, the hard and soft rock layers, and the plunge pool.

Answer: A correct diagram shows a river flowing over resistant (hard) rock, with an undercut softer rock layer beneath it. The overhang collapses, and a plunge pool forms at the base of the waterfall. The waterfall is depicted as a vertical drop with water falling into a pool.

Question 8: List three human activities that can affect river processes and briefly explain their impact.

Answer: 1. Deforestation increases runoff and erosion, leading to more sediment in rivers. 2. Urbanization causes increased surface runoff and pollution, which can lead to flooding and water quality issues. 3. Dam construction can alter flow patterns, reduce sediment transport, and affect ecosystems downstream.

Question 9: Identify two ways in which rivers can be managed to prevent flooding in nearby areas.

Answer: Building levees or embankments along the river to contain floodwaters, and creating flood storage areas or reservoirs to hold excess water during heavy rains.

Question 10: Describe what a floodplain is and explain its importance in a river landscape.

Answer: A floodplain is a flat area of land adjacent to a river that floods when water levels rise. It is important because it absorbs excess water, reducing flood risk, and provides fertile land for agriculture.