IGCSE Quiz On Rivers! Trivia

A pot hole is the name given to a large depression in a river bed resulting from a rock fragment becoming lodged in a crack. This feature is often combined with a whirlpool on the river's surface.

A gorge is the name given to the feature that results when a waterfall cuts back into the valley in which it was formed. As the waterfall erodes the rock and soil beneath it, it gradually moves upstream, leaving a steep-sided channel known as a gorge. This process occurs over a long period of time and is often seen in areas with significant water flow and geological activity. The formation of a gorge can create dramatic landscapes and provide valuable insights into the earth's history.

A plunge pool is the name given to the section of deep water at the foot of a waterfall. It is formed by the force of the falling water eroding the rock and creating a pool with a deep basin. The water in a plunge pool is typically calm and deep, making it a popular spot for swimming or cooling off after the rush of the waterfall. Plunge pools also play an important role in the natural erosion process of waterfalls, as they help to prevent further erosion of the rock face by absorbing the energy of the falling water.

When a river develops a meander, it gradually curves and forms a loop. Over time, the loop can become so pronounced that the river cuts through the narrow neck of land, leaving a crescent-shaped lake behind. This lake, which is separated from the main river channel, is known as an oxbow lake. The term "oxbow" refers to the U-shaped collar used to guide oxen when plowing fields, which resembles the shape of these lakes.

A delta is the name given to new land that is formed near the mouth of a river when a large amount of sediment is deposited. As the river flows into a body of water, such as a lake or ocean, the velocity of the water decreases, causing it to deposit the sediment it carries. Over time, this accumulation of sediment forms a triangular or fan-shaped landform known as a delta. Deltas are typically rich in nutrients and are important habitats for various plant and animal species.

The starting point of a river is referred to as the "source". This is where the river originates, usually in an area of boggy ground, and marks the beginning of its journey. The source is typically the highest point in the river's watershed, where water collects and begins to flow downhill, eventually forming a river.

The water cycle is often referred to as the hydrological cycle because it involves the movement of water on, above, and below the Earth's surface. This cycle includes processes such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff, which continuously circulate water throughout the planet. The term "hydrological" is derived from the Greek word "hydor," meaning water, and "logos," meaning study or science. Therefore, the hydrological cycle is a more scientific and accurate term for describing the continuous movement and transformation of water on Earth.

The term "confluence" is used to describe the point where a tributary river channel meets the main river channel. This is where two separate streams or rivers merge together to form a larger body of water. It is a common term used in geography and hydrology to describe the joining of two watercourses. An estuary refers to the wide mouth of a river where it meets the ocean, a watershed is an area of land that drains into a particular river system, a drainage basin refers to the area of land where all the water drains into a particular river system, and the mouth of a river is the end point where it empties into a larger body of water.

A watershed refers to the boundary or dividing line between different drainage basins. It is the area of land where all the water drains into a common point, such as a river, lake, or ocean. The term "watershed" is used to describe both the land and the water that flows over it, making it the correct answer in this context. The other options, such as River Fence, Boundary Point, Mouth, and Pot Point, do not accurately describe the boundary of a drainage basin.

Traction is the correct answer because it refers to the process of dragging material along the river bed. This occurs when the river's flow is strong enough to move larger and heavier particles, such as rocks and boulders, by rolling, sliding, or dragging them along the riverbed. Traction is one of the main processes responsible for the transportation of larger sediment in rivers.

Solution is the correct answer because it refers to the process of dissolved material being transported in a river. In this process, the material is completely dissolved in the water and is carried along with the flow of the river. This is different from traction, saltation, and suspension, which involve the transportation of larger particles such as rocks, sand, or silt.

Saltation is the correct answer because it refers to the process of material bouncing or hopping along the river bed. This occurs when the river's flow is strong enough to lift and transport sediment, causing it to move in a series of small jumps or bounces. Saltation is commonly observed in rivers with a moderate current where the sediment particles are too heavy to be suspended in the water but light enough to be lifted and transported by the flow.

Building a new car park would not reduce the risk of flooding within a river's floodplain. Constructing a car park would likely involve covering the ground with impermeable materials such as concrete or asphalt, which would prevent water from being absorbed into the soil. This would increase surface runoff and the volume of water flowing into the river, potentially exacerbating flooding. In contrast, planting new trees within a nearby forest can help reduce flooding by increasing the absorption of water by the soil and reducing surface runoff. Creating a dam and reservoir further up the river's course can regulate the flow of water and mitigate flooding downstream. Reinforcing the river's channel with concrete can also help prevent erosion and control water flow.

Attrition is the correct answer because it refers to the erosion process that occurs when material carried by the river collides with other material that is also being carried. This collision causes the particles to break down and become smaller and more rounded over time. Attrition is a common process in rivers and contributes to the overall shaping and formation of the riverbed and surrounding landforms.

A river's watershed usually coincides with an area of high land. A watershed is the land area that drains into a particular river, stream, or body of water. It is determined by the topography of the land, where the high points or ridges separate the flow of water into different drainage basins. As water flows downhill, it collects in the valleys and streams within the watershed. Therefore, the watershed is typically located in elevated areas such as mountains or highlands, where the water can gather and flow towards the river.

The water cycle is an example of a closed system because it involves the continuous movement and recycling of water on Earth. Water evaporates from the surface, forms clouds, and then falls back to the surface as precipitation. This process repeats itself, with water constantly being transferred between the atmosphere, land, and oceans. Although water can enter or leave the system through various processes, the overall amount of water on Earth remains relatively constant. Therefore, the water cycle operates within a closed system where matter (water) is continuously cycled and exchanged, but the system as a whole remains unchanged.

A braided river is a river channel that has been separated into a number of different sections by the deposition of sediment. This deposition creates multiple channels that weave and braid together, giving the river a braided appearance. The sediment deposition can occur due to the river's high sediment load or variable flow conditions. Braided rivers are typically found in areas with high sediment supply and steep slopes. They are characterized by their shallow depth, wide channel, and numerous small islands and bars formed by the sediment.

The erosion of the banks and bed by particles of rock that are thrown against the river channel by the movement of water is known as abraison and corrasion.

Levees are the mounds of deposits that form alongside a river channel. They are created by the accumulation of sediment and debris carried by the river over time. Levees help to contain the river within its channel, preventing flooding and protecting surrounding areas from water damage. The different spellings - Levee, Levée, and Levées - are all acceptable variations for referring to these riverbank deposits.