2-20 Revision Guide

Topic- Rivers

Objectives
 Identify and describe the processes of the hydrological (water) cycle
 Describe the features of the hydrological cycle
 Overview of groundwater
 Describe the components of a drainage basin
 Describe drainage density
 Identify and describe drainage patterns
 Identify and explain the processes of a river
 Describe the characteristics of a river valley
 Identify and explain the formation of landforms in a river valley

Key Terms/Concepts

Hydrological/Water
Cycle Watershed Attrition Ox-bow Lakes
Precipitation Confluence Saltation Braiding
Main River/Consequent
Interception Stream Traction Deltas
Surface Run- Tributary/Subsequent Arcuate/Fan-Shaped
off/Overland Flow Stream Suspension Delta
Digitate/Lobate/Bird's
Infiltration Perennial River Solution Foot Delta
Estuarine/Cuspate
Percolation Seasonal River Bedload Delta
Throughflow Source of River Alluvium
Groundwater flow Mouth of River River Valley
Groundwater Drainage Density Long Profile
Evaporation Drainage Pattern Cross Profile
Interlocking
Transpiration Dendritic Patter Spurs
Spring Trellis Pattern Rapids
Water Table Radial Pattern Waterfall
Aquifer Vertical Erosion Potholes
Aquiclude Lateral Erosion Meanders

EOY REVISION 2019 1

 Slip-Off
Slopes/Point
Recharge Headward Erosion Bars
River
Artesian Basin Corrasion/Abrasion Cliffs/Bluffs
Drainage
Basin/Catchment Area Corrosion/Solution Levees
River Hydraulic Action Flood Plain

Key Diagrams/Maps (to draw and/or label)

 Water cycle
 Water table
 Artesian basin
 Spring formation
 Drainage basin features
 Drainage patterns
 River landform formation (upper, middle & lower courses)

Revision Questions
Please note it is also advisable to make up alternative ways questions may be
asked in the exam.
1. Using a diagram, illustrate the hydrological cycle, including the following
processes:
 Evaporation
 Transpiration
 Condensation
 Precipitation
 Interception
 Infiltration
 Percolation
 Through flow
 Groundwater Flow
 Surface runoff [10 marks]

2. Using a diagram, illustrate the following:

 Source
 Watershed
 Catchment area
 Main river
 Tributary
 Confluence
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  Mouth
 Delta
 Distributary [9 marks]

3. Define the following:

 Aquifer
 Spring
 Water table [6 marks]

4. Using a diagram, illustrate the water table. [3 marks]

5. Explain TWO ways springs can form. [8 marks]

6. List THREE drainage patterns and using diagrams, explain any TWO. [11 marks]

7. What are THREE processes of rivers? [3 marks]

8. List FOUR processes of erosion and explain any TWO. [8 marks]

9. List FOUR processes of transportation and explain any TWO. [8 marks]

10. Describe the conditions necessary for deposition to occur in a river. [3 marks]

11. Complete the following table.

River Course/Stage Youthful Mature Lower

Gradient
Shape of the river valley
Main Process
Velocity
Features found (at least
3)
[21 marks]

12. What is the difference between the long profile and cross profile of a river?
[4 marks]

13. Using a diagram, explain the following river features:

 Waterfalls
 Meanders
 Flood Plains
 Ox-bow lakes
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  Deltas [25 marks]

Tips for answering questions

 Where possible and appropriate, always include a relevant diagram in your

answers (even if the question does not ask for one)

 All diagrams must be drawn in pencil and include a border and title.

 Use the Key question word (define, explain, describe, etc.) as well as the
number of marks per question as a guide to how much to write for a question.

 Try to answer questions in a logical and sequential manner (don’t start on one
point, digress to another point and then return to the original point). Your
answers must flow!

 All responses must in a proper format i.e. a formal sentence, paragraph, etc.
Responses must not be in point form and abbreviations are not permitted.

 Check your grammar and spelling!

EOY REVISION 2019 4