3.1.3.3 River landscapes in the UK
Key Idea
The shape of river valleys changes as rivers flow downstream.
The long profile and changing cross profile of a river and its valley.
Fluvial processes:
• erosion – hydraulic action, abrasion, attrition, solution, vertical and lateral erosion
• transportation – traction, saltation, suspension and solution
• deposition – why rivers deposit sediment.
Key Idea
Distinctive fluvial landforms result from different physical processes.
Characteristics and formation of landforms resulting from erosion – interlocking spurs, waterfalls and gorges.
Characteristics and formation of landforms resulting from erosion and deposition – meanders and ox-bow lakes.
Characteristics and formation of landforms resulting from deposition – levées, flood plains and estuaries.
An example of a river valley in the UK to identify its major landforms of erosion and deposition.
Key Ideas
Different management strategies can be used to protect river landscapes from the effects of flooding.
How physical and human factors affect the flood risk – precipitation, geology, relief and land use.
The use of hydrographs to show the relationship between precipitation and discharge.
The costs and benefits of the following management strategies:
• hard engineering – dams and reservoirs, straightening, embankments, flood relief channels
• soft engineering – flood warnings and preparation, flood plain zoning, planting trees and river restoration.
An example of a flood management scheme in the UK to show:
• why the scheme was required
• the management strategy
• the social, economic and environmental issues
Key Idea
The shape of river valleys changes as rivers flow downstream.
The long profile and changing cross profile of a river and its valley.
Fluvial processes:
• erosion – hydraulic action, abrasion, attrition, solution, vertical and lateral erosion
• transportation – traction, saltation, suspension and solution
• deposition – why rivers deposit sediment.
Key Idea
Distinctive fluvial landforms result from different physical processes.
Characteristics and formation of landforms resulting from erosion – interlocking spurs, waterfalls and gorges.
Characteristics and formation of landforms resulting from erosion and deposition – meanders and ox-bow lakes.
Characteristics and formation of landforms resulting from deposition – levées, flood plains and estuaries.
An example of a river valley in the UK to identify its major landforms of erosion and deposition.
Key Ideas
Different management strategies can be used to protect river landscapes from the effects of flooding.
How physical and human factors affect the flood risk – precipitation, geology, relief and land use.
The use of hydrographs to show the relationship between precipitation and discharge.
The costs and benefits of the following management strategies:
• hard engineering – dams and reservoirs, straightening, embankments, flood relief channels
• soft engineering – flood warnings and preparation, flood plain zoning, planting trees and river restoration.
An example of a flood management scheme in the UK to show:
• why the scheme was required
• the management strategy
• the social, economic and environmental issues