EQ4: 4.6

Question 1

What is meant by the long profile of a river?

Answer 1

It is the changes of the height of the river which is from the source to the mouth.

Question 2

How does the river Eden’s landscape change along its long profile
(upper/middle/lower). Consider: channel shape, valley profile, gradient,
discharge, velocity and sediment size and shape?

Answer 2

There are a lot of meanders which will slow down the river flow.

Question 3

Compare hydraulic action with abrasion

Answer 3

Abrasion is when rocks are picked up by the wave and thrown or smash against the cliff causing a sandpaper like effects, removing the rock gradually. Hydraulic action is the process where the sheer force of water being forced into cracks in the rock causing the crack to increase and. Rock then chips of

Question 4

Define weathering

Answer 4

Weathering is when rocks are broken down or dissolved.

Question 5

Compare freeze thaw and biological weathering

Answer 5

Freeze thaw weathering is when water enters cracks, then water freezes and expands. Pressure increases in cracks. Water then melts and then refreezes. Rock then breaks off. Biological weathering is when plants roots and animals burrowing gets into the rock. It breaks down the structure of the rock. Pressure is put on the rock. Larger cracks are formed and the cycle id continuous.

Question 6

Compare traction with suspension transport

Answer 6

Traction is when large boulders and rocks are rolled along the river bed. Suspension is when fine light material is carried along in the water.

Question 7

Explain the stages and processes responsible for waterfall formation, v
shaped valleys and interlocking spurs, meanders, ox-bow lakes, flood
plains, levees and deltas.

Answer 7

Waterfall formation- abrasion and hydraulic action. Gradual eroding. More resistant rock collapses under its own weight. Further erosion of the less resistant rock.

V-shaped valleys- erodes downwards (vertical erosion). Valleys sides slowly broken down through weathering. Weathered material transported by gravity and rainfall towards the river channel. This steepens the valleys sides.

Interlocking spurs- more resistant bands of rock. River can’t erode these.

Question 8

Compare a flashy and subdued hydrograph

Answer 8

A flashy hydrograph is a hydrograph that responds quickly to rain, with a high peak and a short lag time. A subdued hydrograph is less likely to flood.

Question 9

Explain how physical factors (geology, soil, slope, basin type,
antecedent conditions) can affect flood hydrographs.

Answer 9

A physical factor is that the gradients can be steeper which means water runs off faster which means it will reach the river quicker.