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River Features and Weathering Processes

The document contains questions about various geomorphological and hydrological concepts. It tests understanding of rock weathering processes like exfoliation and oxidation. It also examines river landforms such as meanders and features like waterfalls. Diagrams are provided and questions assess identification and explanation of fluvial processes and landforms.

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Fifie Ojifinni
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55 views4 pages

River Features and Weathering Processes

The document contains questions about various geomorphological and hydrological concepts. It tests understanding of rock weathering processes like exfoliation and oxidation. It also examines river landforms such as meanders and features like waterfalls. Diagrams are provided and questions assess identification and explanation of fluvial processes and landforms.

Uploaded by

Fifie Ojifinni
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Question 1

Choose from the terms in the text box below to name each of the following processes:

Carbonation; Exfoliation; Oxidation; Precipitated; Shattering

1.1 Expansion and contraction causes certain rocks, like dolerite and granite, to
break up in layers. This form of weathering gives the rock a rounded form. (1)
1.2 Creation of a solid from a solution (1)
1.3 The force of water and trapped air pockets against a rock surface. (1)
1.4 Rusting and crumbling of rocks caused by a reaction with water vapour and
oxygen (1)
1.5 Weathering of rock by acid. (1)
[5]

Question 2
Select the most correct answer from the choices given for each question.
Write down only the question number and the letter. (E.g.: 2.1 - a)

2.1 Figure 1 Adapted from: [Link]

The rock formation in the diagram (Figure 1: right)


was formed by:

a) Carbonation
b) Exfoliation
c) Frost Shattering
d) Oxidation
(1)

2.2 The name given to the fallen pieces of rock shown in , is …


a) Scarp
b) Scree
c) Silt
d) Stack
(1)
2.3 Select the INCORRECT list of human activities which can increase
weathering:
a) Building settlements, mining, construction of road networks
b) Construction of roads, cultivation of crops, mining
c) Building settlements, growth of tree roots, digging mines
d) Agriculture, building roads and settlements
(1)

2.4 The place where a river starts is known as the …


a) Delta
b) Source
c) Start
d) Mouth
(1)

2. Features found in the uppercourse of a river include:


5
a) Rapids, potholes, meander scars
b) Potholes, waterfalls, ox - bow lakes and rapids.
c) Waterfalls, rapids, potholes.
d) potholes, rapids, meanders
(1)

2. What type of erosion caused the feature in Figure 2 below?


6
(1)

Figure 2
2.7 Refer to Figure 3 below, to explain the formation of mushroom rocks.
(6)

Figure 3
2.8 With the aid of a diagram briefly explain the formation of yardangs.
(3)
[15]
3. Use the set of diagrams below to explain how frost shattering occurs.

Figure 4

(5)

4. Study the diagram below before answering the questions that follow.

Feature A Feature B
Figure 5
F
river

E Overhang

C
D D
Adapted from: [Link]

4.1 Name Feature A and Feature B. (2)

4.2 Feature C is formed by the water which falls over the lip of the rock that
sometimes forms the overhang. Give the term used to describe Feature C. (1)

4.3 Indicate which type of rock (D or E) is more resistant to erosion. (1)

4.4 The water in a river flows downhill. In Figure 5, the river flows from the left
of the diagram to the right.
Select the correct option to make this statement TRUE:

The arrow labelled F indicates the direction of (erosion / flow of water). (1)
5. Examine both the map and cross-section showing meanders and then
answer the questions that follow.

Map Cross-section
Figure 6 Figure 9

P P Q

Q
Adapted from: [Link]

For each of the statements below, indicate whether P or Q or BOTH is


applicable/true. E.g.: 5.1 BOTH

5.1 Water flows quickly and therefore erosion occurs.


5.2 Deposits of sand and silt due to reduced speed of water.
5.3 Bank where a levee could form. (3)

6. Carefully study the diagram showing various parts of a river (below).


Write down only the name of the feature/part of the river that is described in
each of the following statements. E.g.: 6.1 Tributary

6.1 U: bends in a river

X 6.2 V: Feature consisting of sand,


which forms where a river ends
Adapted from: [Link]/google search “Features of a River”

6.3 W: Flat land which is covered with


water during the rainy season

6.4 Y: End of a river


W 6.5 Z: Body of water into which a
river flows
U
(5)

Y V
Z

Figure 7

Common questions

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Exfoliation is a form of physical weathering where rocks such as dolerite and granite break up into layers due to expansion and contraction. This process, caused by temperature changes, gives the rock a rounded and layered appearance .

Frost shattering, or freeze-thaw weathering, occurs when water seeps into cracks, freezes, and expands, causing the rock to break apart. This process is prevalent in mountainous regions where temperatures fluctuate around the freezing point .

Erosional formations like mushroom rocks and yardangs result from differential erosion, where softer rock is eroded faster than hard rock due to wind or water. In mushroom rocks, the base erodes quicker, giving it a capped structure, while yardangs form parallel ridges where wind-driven sand cuts through soft rock layers, leaving harder rock as ridges .

Human activities such as building settlements, mining, and constructing road networks increase the rate of weathering by exposing more rock surfaces to weathering agents and facilitating physical and chemical breakdown processes. For instance, construction processes and urbanization disturb rock layers and accelerate erosion .

The position and form of meanders can reveal changes in flow regime, sediment availability, and past environmental conditions. For instance, tighter meanders indicate slower flow and stable conditions, while cut-off ox-bow lakes show significant past channel shifts due to increased flow or major flood events .

Oxidation involves the reaction of rock minerals with oxygen and water, often resulting in rusting and crumbling of the rock. This chemical weathering is particularly visible in iron-rich rocks, where it leads to a reddish-brown coloration .

The upper course of a river is characterized by steep gradients, high energy flow, and features such as rapids, waterfalls, and potholes. These features indicate strong erosional forces due to high velocity, resulting in downward and headward erosion .

Meandering rivers form as water erodes the outer banks and deposits sediment on the inner banks, creating sinuous bends. This process of lateral erosion and deposition is influenced by the river's velocity, sediment load, and channel slope .

Precipitation in geological terms refers to the creation of a solid from a solution. This process can contribute to the formation of minerals and geological features when dissolved minerals in water settle out and form solid deposits .

Waterfalls and rapids form in rivers where there are sudden changes in gradient and rock hardness. Waterfalls occur where a river flows over a resistant rock layer, leading to an abrupt drop. Rapids form where the gradient increases or where there are numerous obstacles, causing faster, turbulent flow .

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