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Geography > Types Of River Systems > Flashcards

Types Of River Systems Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the gradient of the upper course

A

Steep

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2
Q

What is the dominant process of the upper class , how does it occur

A

Erosion , occurring vertically

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3
Q

What are the main types of erosion

A

Abrasion and hydrolic action

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4
Q

What are 4 features of features on the upper course

A

Interlocking spurs
Waterfalls
Potholes
Rapids

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5
Q

How are potholes created in the upper class

A

When pebbles fall into the hollows in the rocky river bed , the water swirls the pebbles round making circular holes in the riverbed.
E.g. Bourkeskuck , potholes in mpumalanga

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6
Q

How does a waterfall develop

A

Along the river course there is a layer of restistant strata (hard rock)
Beneath this is a layer of softer rock , this softer rock is eroded away and this is called undercutting. The hard rock is left behind and a waterfall is formed . A plunge pool is formed due to the waters load

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7
Q

What does retreat upstream mean

A

Headward erosion

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8
Q

How do waterfalls retreat upstream

A

The softer rock is eroded away , there’s nothing supporting the hard rock layer. This hard rock layer eventually collapses into the river , causing the waterfall to retreat upstream.

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9
Q

How do waterfalls make economic importance

A

Hydroelectricity , tourism

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10
Q

What are some examples of waterfalls

A

Victoria falls , Zimbabwe
Howick falls
Niagra falls

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11
Q

What is the highest waterfall in the world

A

Angel falls (venesvuela )

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12
Q

Highest waterfall in SA

A

Tugela falls (KZN)

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13
Q

Desribe the valley of the middle class

A

There is more water in the river , u shaped valley . Wider with narrow floodplain.

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14
Q

Desribe the gradient of the middle course

A

Less steep (medium)

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15
Q

What does the middle course do , and how does it occur

A

Erodes and deposits. Erosion occurs vertically and laterally.

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16
Q

What are the main types of erosion in the middle class

A

Abrasion, attrition, solution

17
Q

In the middle course , not much traction occurs. Why?

A

There are few large particles being carried by the river

18
Q

What are the 2 features of the middle class

A

Food plains , meanders

19
Q

How are food plains formed in the middle class

A

Formed laterally and depositing aluminum on the sides of the river, used for farming

20
Q

What is alluvium in the middle class

A

Deposit of sedament left by flowing flood water in a river valley . Often fertile

21
Q

What is the meander in the middle class

A

Loop like bend in a river

22
Q

How is a meander formed

A

As the river erodes laterally over the floodplain it flows in large bends
Erosion occurs on the outside of the bend and deposition occurs on the inside of the bend , making the meander more pronounced

23
Q

Describe the valley of the lower course

A

Wide , U shaped valley . Gradient of the river is very gentle

24
Q

What is the dominant process in the lower course

A

Deposition

25
Q

What are the main types of erosion in the lower course

A

Solution, attrition

26
Q

How is most of the lower courses load carried?

A

Suspension

27
Q

What are the feautures of the lower course

A
  • Wide, flat, flood plains
  • large meanders
  • oxbow lake
28
Q

What are the uses of flood plains in the lower course

A
  • Agriculture , flat, fertile, land near watersource
  • Settlements , flat and easier to build near water
  • build roads and railway lines on flood plains
29
Q

What is an oxbow lake

A

Crescent shaped lake that was once part of a river.

30
Q

How does an oxbow lake occur

A

River flows fastest around the outside bend, erosion then occurs . The river flows slower around the inside bend, deposition occurs here. Continual erosion on outer bends of meander result in the meander neck becoming narrower. The river breaks through meander neck. Meander will become blocked off by deposition forming and oxbow lake. This oxbow lake will dry up to form a meander scar.

31
Q

What is the upper course stream like

A

Small , V shaped valley deep and narrow with steep sides

Geography (5 decks)

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