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River Landscapes in the UK Practice Questions

Question 1

3 marks

A geography class is using a 1:25 000 Ordnance Survey map extract of an upland river valley in the UK. The table shows what the map shows at four locations.

Location on the map What the map extract shows
682 314 The blue line of the river crossed by a waterfall symbol; contour lines very close together on both banks
695 322 A road bridge over the river
Grid square 6932 Contour lines from 240 m to 480 m; a spot height of 486 m; no settlement
Grid square 7134 All land below 60 m; the river has large sweeping bends; marsh symbols beside the river
(a)

Using the table, identify the river landform found at 682 314.

(b)

On the map, the straight-line distance between the waterfall at 682 314 and the road bridge at 695 322 measures 6.46.4 cm.

Calculate the real distance between them in kilometres.

_______________ km

(c)

Using the table, describe the relief of the land in grid square 6932.

Question 2

2 marks

The table shows rainfall and river discharge recorded at a gauging station during a storm.

Hours after the storm began Rainfall (mm) Discharge (cumecs)
0 0 8
1 4 8
2 12 10
3 18 14
4 9 22
5 2 34
6 0 44
7 0 50
8 0 46
9 0 38
10 0 30
(a)

Using the table, state the peak discharge of the river.

_______________ cumecs

(b)

Using the table, calculate the lag time for this storm.

_______________ hours

Question 3

2 marks

A photograph shows a river in the upper course of its valley. The channel is about 2 m wide and only ankle-deep, with large angular boulders lying on the bed. The valley sides rise steeply from the water's edge and are covered in rough grass and scattered rock outcrops. There is no flat land beside the channel.

(a)

Using the photograph, describe the cross profile of the valley.

(b)

Suggest one way the river channel will be different further downstream.

Question 4

2 marks

A student stands on a bridge over a lowland river and makes these observations:

  • the water is brown and cloudy
  • small stones can be seen bouncing along the river bed
  • during a flood, boulders are heard rolling along the bed
(a)

Name the process of transportation that is making the water brown and cloudy.

(b)

Name the process of transportation shown by the small stones bouncing along the river bed.