Deposition

Question 1

Explain how deposition occurs.

Answer 1

Deposition occurs when the velocity of a river is reduced which causes its energy to fall which means it can’t erode or transport material. The load is dropped, starting with the heaviest particles.

Question 2

When is deposition likely? (4)

Answer 2

Deposition is likely if:

• the river enters a lake or sea, slowing its flow
• there is an area of shallow water, slowing the river’s flow
• the river floods onto its floodplain where it flows slowly
• the river’s load is increased suddenly, for instance after a landslide.