Geography CGP

Question 1

How is upper course of a river different to lower course?
Case study

Answer 1

Upper course is steep, V shapes, valleys, waterfalls, and gorges, interlocking spurs and the lower course is flat, meanders, oxbow lakes, floodplains.

Question 2

How can physical weathering affect the upper course of a river

Answer 2

E.g. freeze thaw can cause more vertical erosion - making for a steeper course.

Question 3

What type of rocks are characteristic of highland areas and lowland areas respectively?

Answer 3

Hard more resistant rocks (e.g. granite) make up highlands, mountains and steep slopes. Less resistant rocks (chalk, clay) form lowlands, gentler slopes and valleys.

Question 4

What feature do you get on the outer bend of a meander? what feature on the inner bend?

Answer 4

Outer bend has a steep river cliff, caused by lateral erosion/ hydraulic action. Sand is deposited on the inner bend due to slower moving water, causing a slip-off slope.

Question 5

Formation of oxbow lake

Answer 5

• Erosion of outer bend, makes neck narrower, depositing on inner bend.
• During a flood the river takes direct path/ shorter course.
• New course forms, deposition grows, isolating the lake.

Question 6

How can a drought affect river processes?

Answer 6

Lower river discharge, formation of dry riverbeds.

Question 7

How can human factors can increase risk of flooding in urban areas?

Answer 7

• Development on floodplains
• Increased concrete and pavements - decreased runoff - more prone to flooding.
• Deforestation

Question 8

What is the engineering strategy called to cut through meanders?

Answer 8

Channelisation?

Question 9

What is the purpose of washlands?

Answer 9

They are purposefully flooded in order to store flood water to protect housing and infrastructure.

Question 10

How can a dam or reservoir change the landscape further down?

Answer 10

Traps sediment - leading to more erosion further down the river.