Fluvial Processes

Question 0

Suspended load: (4)

Answer 0

Fine particles.
In turbulent eddies.
Can remain suspended for long period of time.
A lot of S load can determine the river colour - China’s yellow river.

Question 1

Bed load: (3)

Answer 1

Measured by average particle size.
Intermediate particles move by saltation.
Large particles bounce / slide along the floor.

Question 2

Dissolved load: (3)

Answer 2

Amount and type of material is influenced by the rocks in the area.
Consists of ions.
Limestones dissolve more readily than basalt.

Question 3

Precipitation deposited high

Answer 3

Journeys back down by the pull of gravity.

Question 4

Pe = Mgh

g - acceleration due to gravity, m s-2.

Answer 4

90% of Pe in rivers is dissipated as internal turbulence in the water itself. Less than 10% of Pe is available to erode and transport rock particles.

Question 5

Potential energy ➡️ Kinetic energy in

Answer 5

Flows of streams on land.

Question 6

Graded stream: A progressively lower

Answer 6

Gradient is needed to transport the stream load.

Question 7

Graded stream: The inputs and

Answer 7

Outputs of the stream load are balanced.

Question 8

Graded stream: Achieves

Answer 8

Equilibrium with its surroundings.

Question 9

Graded stream: Steeper profile at

Answer 9

The top, gentle at the bottom.

Question 10

Graded stream: Shallow water on a

Answer 10

Steep slope can transport the same load as deep water on a shallow slope.

Question 11

Graded profile: Dependent on

Answer 11

The base level of the river.

Question 12

Graded profile: If the base level changes,

Answer 12

The gradient will either increase or decrease.

Question 13

Graded profile: A change in the base level may

Answer 13

Be from a change in sea level or from regional uplift.

Question 14

Graded profile: Streams respond to base level changes by

Answer 14

Altering how much they erode and depositing new material until a new grade is achieved.