Rivers (Physical Landscapes in the UK)

Give one characteristic of the upper course of a river.

Steep gradient / V-shaped valley / narrow and shallow channel

Which erosion type? Downwards erosion that deepens the river valley.

Vertical erosion

Which transportation type? Pebble-sized particles are bounced along the river bed.

Saltation

Define the term deposition.

When the river loses energy and drops material

What is formed due to erosion on the outside bend of meanders?

River cliffs

What is left behind as a waterfall retreats upstream?

A gorge

Natural embankments formed by repeated flooding are called….

Levees

Interlocking spurs are found in what stage of a river’s course?

Upper course

On a hydrograph, what is the difference between peak rainfall and peak discharge called?

Lag time

Where water flows over the ground.

Surface runoff

When the ground is full of water.

Saturated

Give one physical and one human cause of flooding.

Physical: heavy/prolonged rainfall / impermeable geology / steep relief | Human: urbanisation / deforestation

Categorise: Dams and reservoirs

Hard engineering

Categorise: Afforestation (planting trees)

Soft engineering

Categorise: Embankments

Hard engineering

Categorise: Floodplain zoning

Soft engineering

Categorise: River restoration

Soft engineering

Categorise: Channel straightening

Hard engineering

Categorise: Flood relief channels

Hard engineering

Categorise: Flood warnings

Soft engineering

A negative of floodplain zoning is …

Does not help existing buildings already on the floodplain / does not stop flooding

A positive of planting trees is …

Increases interception so less water reaches the river, reducing flood risk

Oxford is situated at the ………. of two rivers.

Confluence

What three management strategies were used in Oxford?

Flood relief channel / planting trees / embankments

Give one social issue of the Oxford scheme.

Compulsory purchase of land / residents feel more confident their homes won’t flood

Give one economic issue of the Oxford scheme.

Protects 1,000 homes and businesses / costs £150 million

Give one environmental issue of the Oxford scheme.

Over 2,000 trees removed / but new riverside habitats will improve biodiversity over time