Rivers

Question 1

Describe how the cross profile of the river valley changes downstream. (2)

Answer 1

The valley widens.
Valley slopes decrease in angle.

Question 2

Suggest one reason for the difference in river velocity between point X (inner river bank)
and point Y (outer river bank). (1)

Answer 2

On the inside of the bend the river flow is slower, as there is more friction.

Question 3

Explain how river meanders may change over time. (4)

Water flows __________ on the outer bend so the channel is _________ and there is ___________. Lateral erosion __________ the river bank and forms _______________________.

On the inside of the bend, water flows __________ so material is _____________. This is because there is ____________.

Over time, erosion and deposition makes meanders change shape, move across the ____________ and ____________________.

Answer 3

fastest
deeper
less friction
undercuts
steep sided river cliffs

slower
deposited
more friction

floodplain
migrate downstream

Question 4

How does an oxbow lake form?

The _______ of the ____________ is gradually eroded until it is ________________________ to create a ___________________ (during a flood).

The old meander is ________ by ______________ to form an oxbow lake.

Answer 4

neck
meander
completely cut through
straighter channel

cut off
deposition

Question 5

Pools are found on the _____________ of the meander bend because the ________________ forms a _________________.

Answer 5

outside
faster flow
deeper channel

Question 6

Riffles are areas of ________________ created by ________________ of ____________________.

Answer 6

shallow water
deposition
coarse sediment

Question 7

Why are interlocking spurs formed?

The water is not ___________________ to _____________________, so water ________ around them.

Answer 7

powerful enough
cut through spurs of land
flows