River process and landforms

Question 1

abrasion

Answer 1

Erosion caused by friction which occurs when a river carries sand, gravel or pebbles and uses them to wear away the landscape.

Question 2

attrition

Answer 2

A type of erosion where rocks smash against each other making them smaller and more rounded.

Question 3

deposition

Answer 3

The laying down of material in the landscape. Deposition occurs when the force that was carrying the sediment is reduced.

Question 4

drainage basin

Answer 4

The area a river collects its water from. This is also called the river’s catchment area.

Question 5

floodplains

Answer 5

The flat area beside a river channel that is covered in water during a flood event.

Question 6

gorges

Answer 6

Steep sided, narrow valleys often found below a waterfall.

Question 7

gully

Answer 7

A narrow, V-shaped channel cut by running water on steep slopes.

Question 8

hydraulic action

Answer 8

Erosion caused when water and air are forced into gaps in rock or soil.

Question 9

impermeable

Answer 9

Soil or rock which does not allow water to pass through it, such as clay.

Question 10

interlocking spurs

Answer 10

A feature of V-shaped valleys where the river meanders from side to side so that the hillsides interlock rather like the teeth of a zip.

Question 11

lateral erosion

Answer 11

A feature of V-shaped valleys where the river meanders from side to side so that the hillsides interlock rather like the teeth of a zip.

Question 12

load

Answer 12

the sediment carried by a river

Question 13

meander

Answer 13

a sweeping curve of bend in the rivers course

Question 14

oxbow lake

Answer 14

The loop of an old meander that is no longer connected to the river channel by flowing water.

Question 15

plunge pool

Answer 15

The pool of water found at the base of a waterfall. Plunge pools are erosional features created by abrasion and hydraulic action of the plunging water.

Question 16

point bar

Answer 16

A river beach formed of sand and gravel that is deposited on the inside bend of a meander.

Question 17

retreat

Answer 17

The gradual backward movement of a land form due to the process of erosion. A waterfall retreats towards the source of a river as it is eroded.

Question 18

slip off slope

Answer 18

The gentle slope on a river beach (or point bar) that is formed by deposition of sediment on the inside bend of a meander.

Question 19

source

Answer 19

The starting point of a river.

Question 20

transport

Answer 20

The movement of material as it is carried by a river through the landscape.

Question 21

tributary

Answer 21

A smaller river which flows into a larger river channel.

Question 22

vertical erosion

Answer 22

When the force of water, that is wearing away the landscape, is concentrated downwards.