Rivers (geomorphological processes)

Question 1

On which side of a meander does the water flow fastest?

Answer 1

The outside

Question 2

Which two erosion processes are most important in the formation of a waterfall?

Answer 2

Hydraulic action and abrasion

Question 3

In a waterfall, is the cap rock (at the top) hard (more resistant) or soft (less resistant)?

Answer 3

Hard (more resistant)

Question 4

Why does the water on the inside of a meander flow slowly?

Answer 4

Because the inside of a meander is shallow and therefore there is lots of friction to slow the water down.

Question 5

What happens on the outside bend of a meander…. erosion or deposition?

Answer 5

Erosion

Question 6

What happens on the inside bend of a meander…. erosion or deposition?

Answer 6

Deposition

Question 7

In a v-shaped valley, would you describe the erosion as lateral (sideways) or vertical (downwards)?

Answer 7

Vertical

This is because the steep gradient of the slope encourages the water to erode downwards under gravity.

Question 8

Which new landform is created as a waterfall retreats?

Answer 8

A gorge

Question 9

What does abrasion in a plunge pool?

Answer 9

Abrasion widens and deepens the plunge pool.

Question 10

In which part of a river would you expect to find v-shaped valleys:

The upper course?
The middle course?
The lower course?

Answer 10

In the upper course.

Question 11

Can you draw a basic diagram for the cross section of a meander and label it?

Answer 11

Your diagram should be asymmetrical - deep on one side and shallow on the other.

Labels should include:

• Shallow/ deep water
• Fast/ slow flow
• Erosion/ deposition

Question 12

What is our case study of a river flood?

Answer 12

Cockermouth

Question 13

How much rain fell causing the Cumbrian floods?

Answer 13

31cm rain in 24 hours

Question 14

How many bridges collapsed in Cockermouth during the 2009 floods?

Answer 14

4