IGCSE Geography: Rivers

Front

What is the hydrological cycle?

Back

The hydrological cycle is a closed system where water is constantly recycled through stores and transfers.

Front

What are the main stores of water in the hydrological cycle?

Back

Atmosphere (water vapor), surface stores (puddles, lakes, rivers, reservoirs), interception (precipitation caught on leaves), aquifers (permeable rocks), ice and snow, seas and oceans.

Front

What are the main flows (transfers) in the hydrological cycle?

Back

Evaporation, condensation, transpiration, evapotranspiration, precipitation, overland flow, infiltration, percolation, through flow, groundwater flow.

Front

What is a drainage basin?

Back

A drainage basin is a major part of the hydrological system that drains all the water which lands on the Earth's surface.

Front

What are the key features of a drainage basin?

Back

Watershed, source, confluence, tributary, mouth.

Front

What is erosion in the context of river processes?

Back

Erosion is the wearing down of surfaces, changing the shape of the river channel.

Front

What are the four processes of erosion?

Back

Hydraulic action, abrasion, attrition, corrosion (solution).

Front

What is the difference between vertical and lateral erosion?

Back

Vertical erosion increases the depth of the river and valley, while lateral erosion increases the width.

Front

What are the four processes of transportation in rivers?

Back

Traction, saltation, suspension, solution.

Front

What is deposition in river processes?

Back

Deposition occurs when a river does not have enough energy to carry materials, leading to the dropping of sediments.