Erosional River Landforms

Question 1

Define interlocking spurs

Answer 1

They are hillsides that ‘interlock’ with each other as the river flows around them.

Question 2

Define Valley

Answer 2

a stretch of low land between two mountain or hill ranges. There is often a river flowing in a valley. Most valleys are v - shaped.

Question 3

What creates a v - shaped valley?

Answer 3

In the upper course of the river most of the erosion is vertically downwards (vertical erosion). The reasons for this is as the rivers have not got enough powerful to erode laterally (sideways) as they have to curve around the high hillsides .

Question 4

Define vertical erosion

Answer 4

This deepens the river valley and channel making it v-shaped. It is dominant in the upper course of the river.

Question 5

When do waterfalls form?

Answer 5

When a river flows over an area hard rock which is followed by an area of soft rock

Question 6

Name an case study of a water fall

Answer 6

Severn breaks its neck.

Question 7

Name an example of hard rock often found in water falls

Answer 7

Cap rock

Question 8

Explain how waterfalls form

Answer 8

1. ) The softer rock is eroded more than the hard. It creates a step and the water goes over it
2. ) Undercutting eventually occurs and the unsupported rock collapses
3. ) Collapsed rock swirls around the foot of the water where they erode the softer rock by abrasion. This creates a plunge pool
4. ) Eventually overtime the undercutting causes more collapses. The water fall retreats up the channel and a steep sided gorge is formed

Question 9

Key terms in a waterfall

Answer 9

Hard Rock (cap rock), Soft rock, plunge pool, gorge, undercutting, retreating, erosion (abrasion), collapsing