Floodplain Formation

Question 1

Describe the formation of a floodplain

Answer 1

1) the river is in the lower course carrying lots of material
2) the river floods and water flows over the banks
3) the energy levels of the water are reduced because of friction between the water and bank
4) the river slows down and deposits the largest material close to the banks and smaller further away
5) over time the floodplain builds and widens

Question 2

Describe a floodplain

Answer 2

A floodplain is a wide flat area of land either next to the river or in the lower course