River landscapes knowledge check

Which of the following best describes the difference between uplands and lowlands in the UK?

• Uplands have higher altitude, peaks, and cold climate, while lowlands have lower altitude, flat landscape, and mild climate.

• Uplands have lower altitude, flat landscape, and mild climate, while lowlands have higher altitude, peaks, and cold climate.

• Both uplands and lowlands have the same altitude and climate.

• Uplands are always warmer than lowlands.

Answer explanation

Uplands are characterized by higher altitudes, peaks, and a colder climate, while lowlands feature lower altitudes, flatter landscapes, and milder climates. This distinction is crucial in understanding the geography of the UK.

What is the main process involved in the wearing away of material such as rock and soil in rivers?

• Erosion

• Transportation

• Deposition

• Evaporation

Answer explanation

Erosion is the main process that involves the wearing away of materials like rock and soil in rivers. It occurs when water flow removes particles from the landscape, leading to changes in the river's shape and surrounding areas.

Which fluvial process involves the picking up and carrying of material as load?

• Transportation

• Erosion

• Deposition

• Condensation

Answer explanation

The fluvial process that involves picking up and carrying material is called Transportation. This process is essential for moving sediment and other materials within a river system.

Why does deposition of load most commonly occur in the lower course of a river?

• Because the river loses energy and cannot carry the load any further.

• Because the river flows faster in the lower course.

• Because the river is deeper in the lower course.

• Because the river has more rainfall in the lower course.

Answer explanation

Deposition occurs in the lower course of a river because the river loses energy as it flows, making it unable to carry its load further. This results in sediment being deposited along the riverbed.

A student observes pebbles and sand scraping the bed of a river like sandpaper. Which process are they observing?

• Abrasion

• Attrition

• Solution

• Suspension

Answer explanation

The student is observing abrasion, which is the process where pebbles and sand wear down surfaces, similar to how sandpaper smooths wood. This occurs as these materials scrape against the riverbed.

Which feature is most commonly found in the upper course of a river?

• V-shaped valley

• Floodplain

• Estuary

• Oxbow lake

Answer explanation

In the upper course of a river, erosion is dominant, leading to the formation of steep, V-shaped valleys. This contrasts with features like floodplains and estuaries, which are found in lower river courses.

How does the gradient of a river typically change from its source to its mouth?

• It decreases

• It increases

• It stays the same

• It fluctuates randomly

Answer explanation

The gradient of a river typically decreases from its source to its mouth due to the reduction in elevation as the river flows towards flatter areas, leading to slower water flow and less steep terrain.

Which of the following best describes the channel of a river in its lower course?

• Widest and deepest

• Narrow and shallow

• Widest and shallowest

• Narrow and deepest

Answer explanation

In the lower course of a river, the channel is influenced by sediment deposition and erosion, making it wider and deeper to accommodate increased water flow, thus the correct description is 'widest and deepest'.

Which part of a drainage basin is the area where a river meets the sea?

• Mouth

• Source

• Tributary

• Watershed

Answer explanation

The part of a drainage basin where a river meets the sea is called the mouth. This is where the river flows into a larger body of water, such as an ocean or sea, making 'mouth' the correct answer.

Which feature marks the boundary that separates one drainage basin from another?

• Watershed

• Source

• River channel

• Mouth

Answer explanation

The watershed is the dividing line that separates different drainage basins. It is defined by the highest points of land surrounding a basin, directing water flow into distinct areas.