The work of a river
1) Below, explain what is happening at each of the points on the diagram to cause erosion
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2) Label the following diagram showing RIVER TRANSPORTATION with the following key words:
Bedload
Solution
Traction
Suspension
Saltation
3) How can river speed (velocity), volume of water and rock type affect how quickly a river erodes? Explain your answer!
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4) Look at the River Rhine below. What can you say about the colour of the river. Give reasons for your answer using the knowledge you have learnt about rivers.
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5) Why could the river below be muddy? Explain your answer!
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River landforms
6) In the three boxes below draw the THREE different types of river channel and label where or if lateral erosion (sideways erosion) will take place.
The Upper stage of a river
7) In the upper course of any river, ________ is always the main force because the _________ of the river is steep and it has a lot of energy, especially during _____ ______ and heavy rain.
The main process of erosion is __________ and this causes _________ and vertical erosion of the banks and the ____ of the river. Remember that the conditions in the Pyrenees can be harsh and therefore weathering can affect the slopes of the valley. Landslides and
______________ can carry materials down the slope and into the river where it is
_____________ away. This often makes the valley steeper and gives it a ____________ appearance. snow melt, transported, erosion, V-shaped, avalanches, gradient, abrasion,
lateral, bed

8) Watch this video and carry on with the tasks below: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIn0UoeDyVg
9) A river starts at the SOURCE and often begins with a STEEP GRADIENT and landforms are created by vertical erosion.
Have a look at the diagram and pictures below and describe the effects of vertical erosion.
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10) Look at the picture of Sierra Nevada below. How do you think this valley has been formed?
11) Explain your answer.
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Potholes and rapids
12) Watch this animation and read the information in the textbook and explain how potholes are created http://library.thinkquest.org/28022/trail/potholes.gif
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13) Potholes and rapids are formed as a result of vertical erosion.
Rapids are sections of rough turbulent (white water) water. They are normally in a river's upper course and are formed when you get layers of hard and soft rock. The layers of soft rock erode quicker than the layers of hard rock. This makes the bed of the river uneven creating rough turbulent water.
Think about which types of people may benefit from each of these landforms and explain your answer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28wbI73IVvQ (This video may help you!)
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Waterfalls and gorges
Name as many famous waterfalls you can think of here:
Can you suggest how they are formed? Think of this as a hypothesis!
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14) This is your time to research! You need to create a case study all about waterfalls and gorges including a named famous waterfall. Your case study must include: a) Diagrams showing how waterfalls and gorges are formed b) Key words: plunge pool, undercut, collapse, retreat c) Detailed information on the benefits your waterfall can bring the people who live there
(THINK social and economic)!
Useful websites ….. http://www.geographypods.com/river-features.html
(video) http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/encyclopedia/waterfall/?ar_a=1 http://www.slideshare.net/srackley/waterfalls-6824070 http://lcgeography.preswex.ie/waterfall-river-landform.html