Question 1: Describe the process of river erosion and explain two different types of erosion that can occur along a river.

Answer: River erosion is the wearing away of the riverbank and bed by the movement of water. Two types of erosion are hydraulic action, where the force of water compresses air into cracks causing them to widen, and abrasion, where sediment and rocks carried by the river wear down the riverbed and banks.

Question 2: Explain what a river’s source is and describe two common locations where sources are found.

Answer: The source of a river is the starting point where the river begins. Common locations include mountain peaks or hills, where melting snow or rainfall collects and forms streams.

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

Answer: Three landforms created by deposition are: a delta, where a river deposits sediment at its mouth forming a triangular landform; a floodplain, a flat area along the river formed by repeated flooding and sediment deposition; and a levee, an embankment built up along the riverbank from deposited sediment during floods.

Question 4: Describe how a waterfall is formed, including the geological processes involved.

Answer: A waterfall is formed when a river flows over a steep, resistant rock layer. The softer rock beneath erodes faster, creating a drop or plunge pool. Over time, the overhang collapses, and the waterfall may retreat upstream.

Question 5: Draw a cross-section of a river showing the riverbank, riverbed, and water flow during a flood.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a wide river channel with the water level high during a flood, spilling over the banks. The riverbank should be sloped, with sediment and debris visible on the floodplain, and arrows indicating water flow from the river to the floodplain.

Question 6: Explain what a floodplain is and how it is formed by a river.

Answer: A floodplain is a flat area of land beside a river that is periodically flooded. It is formed by the river depositing sediment during floods, creating wide, fertile plains.

Question 7: Identify and describe two methods used by humans to control or manage river flooding.

Answer: Two methods are: building levees or embankments to contain floodwaters and prevent overflow, and constructing dams upstream to regulate water flow and reduce flooding downstream.

Question 8: Describe the water cycle involving a river and the role of precipitation in this cycle.

Answer: Precipitation falls as rain or snow onto the land. Water then flows over the surface as surface runoff or infiltrates into the ground to become groundwater. The water eventually collects in rivers, which transport it back to lakes or the sea, completing the cycle.

Question 9: Explain the difference between a youthful and a mature river in terms of their features and flow.

Answer: A youthful river has a steep gradient, a V-shaped valley, rapid flow, and features like waterfalls and rapids. A mature river has a gentler gradient, a wider valley, a slower flow, and features such as meanders and floodplains.

Question 10: Describe how human activities can impact the natural flow and health of a river system.

Answer: Human activities like dam construction can alter flow regimes, reducing natural flooding. Pollution from factories or agriculture can harm aquatic ecosystems. Urban development increases runoff and erosion, leading to sedimentation and habitat loss.