River Landforms Flashcards
What is an oxbow lake?
An oxbow lake is a U-shaped body of water formed when a meander in a river is cut off from the main river.
True or False: Oxbow lakes are permanent features of a landscape.
False: Oxbow lakes can eventually dry up or fill with sediment.
What process leads to the formation of oxbow lakes?
Erosion and deposition
What are meanders?
Meanders are bends or curves in a river that develop due to the erosion of the riverbank and deposition of sediment.
Fill in the blank: A waterfall is formed when a river flows over a ______.
steep drop or cliff.
What are the two main types of engineering used to manage flood risks?
Soft engineering and hard engineering.
Define soft engineering.
Soft engineering involves using natural processes and materials to manage water flow and reduce flood risk.
Define hard engineering.
Hard engineering involves the use of concrete and steel structures to control water flow and prevent flooding.
What is a V-shaped valley?
A V-shaped valley is a narrow valley with steep sides formed by the erosive action of a river.
True or False: V-shaped valleys are typically formed by glacial activity.
False: V-shaped valleys are primarily formed by river erosion.
What is a common consequence of flooding?
Flooding can lead to property damage, loss of life, and disruption of ecosystems.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an example of hard engineering?
Dams.
What is the primary purpose of flood management strategies?
To reduce the risk and impact of flooding on communities and ecosystems.
Fill in the blank: The process of ______ can lead to the creation of waterfalls.
erosion.
True or False: Soft engineering techniques are generally more environmentally friendly than hard engineering.
True.
What is one advantage of using soft engineering techniques?
They often enhance biodiversity and improve the natural environment.
What is the role of sediment in the formation of meanders?
Sediment deposition on the inside of bends slows water flow, allowing meanders to develop.
Multiple Choice: Which landform is typically associated with river erosion?
V-shaped valleys,
What happens to an oxbow lake over time?
It may become filled with sediment and vegetation, eventually turning into a wetland or disappearing.
Fill in the blank: A river forms a waterfall when it encounters a layer of ______ rock.
harder.
What is one method of soft engineering used to manage floods?
Afforestation
True or False: Hard engineering solutions are often more expensive than soft engineering solutions.
True.
What environmental impact can hard engineering have?
It can disrupt natural habitats and alter ecosystems.
What is the main cause of flooding?
Heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt that exceeds the capacity of rivers and drainage systems.
Multiple Choice: Which feature is indicative of a river’s youthful stage?
V-shaped valleys.
What type of valley is formed by the continuous erosion of a river?
V-shaped valley.
Fill in the blank: Erosion by water typically leads to the formation of ______ and valleys.
meanders.
What is the significance of oxbow lakes in an ecosystem?
They provide unique habitats for wildlife and can improve water quality.
