1.
The place where a river begins is called its:
Correct Answer
C. Source
Explanation
The correct answer is "source". The source of a river refers to the place where it originates or begins. It could be a spring, a lake, or even the melting of a glacier. It is the starting point of the river's flow and is crucial in understanding the river's overall course and characteristics. The other options, such as confluence (the meeting point of two rivers), spring (a natural outflow of groundwater), and watershed (an area of land where all water drains into a single point), are not specifically related to the beginning of a river.
2.
A river which flows into another river is called a:
Correct Answer
B. Tributary
Explanation
A river which flows into another river is called a tributary. A tributary is a smaller river or stream that contributes its water to a larger river, usually at a confluence. The term "tributary" is commonly used in geography to describe the relationship between rivers, where the larger river is referred to as the main stem or trunk, and the tributaries are the smaller streams that feed into it. A watershed or drainage basin refers to the area of land where all the water drains into a particular river or body of water, rather than being a specific term for a river that flows into another river.
3.
The high land which separates one drainage basin from another is called a:
Correct Answer
D. Watershed
Explanation
A watershed is the correct answer because it refers to a high land that acts as a boundary, separating one drainage basin from another. It is a geographical feature that determines the direction in which water flows and helps in understanding the drainage patterns of a region. A watershed collects all the water that falls within its boundaries and channels it into a common outlet, such as a river or lake. Therefore, a watershed is a crucial concept in hydrology and water resource management.
4.
A river erodes in all of the following ways EXCEPT:
Correct Answer
A. Oxidation
Explanation
Oxidation is not a way in which a river erodes. Oxidation is a chemical process that occurs when oxygen reacts with certain minerals or substances, causing them to break down or change composition. While oxidation can occur in the environment, it is not a direct process of erosion for a river. The other options, solution, hydraulic action, and attrition, are all processes that contribute to river erosion.
5.
The term "corrasion" refers to:
Correct Answer
B. The process by which rivers grind their load against their bed and banks.
Explanation
Corrasion refers to the process by which rivers grind their load against their bed and banks. This process involves the abrasion and wearing down of the riverbed and banks by the movement of sediment, such as rocks and stones, carried by the river. As the sediment is transported downstream, it rubs against the riverbed and banks, causing erosion and the smoothing of surfaces. This process is a significant contributor to the shaping of river valleys and the formation of features such as river cliffs and meanders.
6.
The term "hydraulic action" refers to the force of the water itself, which helps to loosen material from the bed and banks of a river.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Hydraulic action is a term used to describe the force of water that aids in the erosion and transportation of sediment in a river. It occurs when the sheer force of the water dislodges and carries away material from the riverbed and banks. This process is particularly effective during periods of high water flow or when the water is moving at a high velocity. Therefore, the statement that hydraulic action refers to the force of water itself, which helps to loosen material from the bed and banks of a river, is true.
7.
The term "traction" refers to the way in which materials in the river's load are bounced along the riverbed.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The term "traction" actually refers to the way in which materials in the river's load are rolled or dragged along the riverbed, not bounced. Therefore, the correct answer is False.
8.
Tiny particles such as silt are usually transported:
Correct Answer
B. In suspension
Explanation
Tiny particles such as silt are usually transported in suspension. This means that the particles are carried within the flow of a fluid, such as water or air, without settling to the bottom. In suspension, the particles are evenly distributed throughout the fluid and can be easily transported over long distances. This mode of transport is common in rivers, streams, and other water bodies where the flow is strong enough to keep the particles suspended.
9.
As a river begins to lose energy, the material carried in suspension is deposited first and the rest of the load is carried farther.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
When a river loses energy, it is not able to carry as much sediment in suspension. As a result, the heavier sediment particles are deposited first, closer to the source of the river. The smaller and lighter particles can be carried farther downstream before being deposited. Therefore, the correct answer is false, as the material carried in suspension is deposited first and the rest of the load is carried farther.
10.
Which section of a river usually has the steepest gradient?
Correct Answer
C. Upper course
Explanation
The steepest gradient of a river is usually found in the upper course. In this section, the river is closer to its source, and the landscape is often characterized by steep slopes and high elevations. As the river flows downhill, it gains momentum and erodes the terrain more rapidly, resulting in a steeper gradient. In the lower and middle courses, the gradient tends to decrease as the river reaches flatter terrain and approaches its mouth. Therefore, the correct answer is the upper course.
11.
Which of these features would you NOT expect to find in the upper course of a river?
Correct Answer
A. Braiding
Explanation
Braiding is a feature commonly found in the lower course of a river, not in the upper course. In the upper course, the river is typically narrow and has a steep gradient, causing it to flow quickly and erode the surrounding land. This leads to the formation of interlocking spurs, waterfalls, and rapids. Braiding, on the other hand, occurs in the lower course where the river has a wider channel and deposits sediment, causing the formation of multiple channels that intertwine with each other.
12.
As a waterfall retreats upstream, it creates a feature called:
Correct Answer
D. Gorge
Explanation
As a waterfall retreats upstream, it erodes the surrounding rock and creates a deep, narrow valley known as a gorge. The force of the falling water and the hydraulic action of the flowing river gradually carve out the land, resulting in steep cliffs and a dramatic landscape. The retreat of the waterfall leaves behind a distinctive geological feature that is characterized by its steep sides and often contains a river or stream at the bottom. This process is commonly observed in areas with resistant rock formations, where the waterfall continues to erode the softer rock downstream, forming a gorge over time.
13.
In the middle course of a river one would expect to find:
Correct Answer
C. Ox bow lakes and levees
Explanation
In the middle course of a river, the water flow is generally slower compared to the upper course. This slower flow allows the river to meander and form bends. As the river curves, erosion occurs on the outer bank, resulting in the formation of river cliffs. On the inner bank, deposition takes place, forming slip off slopes. Therefore, in the middle course of a river, one would expect to find river cliffs and slip off slopes.
14.
Waterfalls commonly form where a river crosses a band of resistant rock.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Waterfalls are formed when a river flows over different types of rock. If the river encounters a band of resistant rock, such as granite or basalt, it erodes the surrounding softer rock more easily, creating a sudden drop in elevation and a waterfall. The resistant rock acts as a barrier, causing the water to plunge downward, resulting in the formation of a waterfall. Therefore, the statement "Waterfalls commonly form where a river crosses a band of resistant rock" is true.
15.
V- shaped valleys are usually found in the middle course of a river.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
V-shaped valleys are usually found in the upper course of a river, not the middle course. In the upper course, the river has a steep gradient and flows rapidly, causing it to erode vertically and create a V-shaped valley. As the river progresses downstream into the middle course, the gradient becomes less steep, and the river begins to meander and erode laterally, creating a wider valley with a gentler slope. Therefore, the statement that V-shaped valleys are usually found in the middle course of a river is false.
16.
This feature is formed when a meander is abandoned by a river.
Correct Answer
A. Ox bow lake
Explanation
When a river forms a meander, it gradually erodes the outer bank and deposits sediment on the inner bank. Over time, the meander loop becomes more pronounced until the river cuts through the narrow neck, leaving a curved lake called an ox bow lake. The abandoned meander is filled with water, forming the lake. This process occurs when the river's flow changes, causing it to take a new, straighter course, leaving behind the ox bow lake.
17.
Natural embankments created alongside a river are known as:
Correct Answer
C. Levees
Explanation
Levees are natural embankments that form alongside a river. They are created over time as the river deposits sediment along its banks, building up a raised area that helps contain the water within the channel. Levees are typically formed during periods of flooding when the river overflows its banks and deposits sediment on the adjacent land. These embankments serve as a natural barrier, preventing the river from flooding surrounding areas and protecting nearby communities and farmland from inundation.
18.
A piece of land which formed as a result of a river depositing sediment into the sea is called:
Correct Answer
A. A delta
Explanation
A delta is formed when a river carries sediment and deposits it into a body of water, usually the sea. Over time, this sediment builds up and creates a landform that is triangular or fan-shaped, with multiple channels branching out. Deltas are typically characterized by fertile soil and are often home to diverse ecosystems. Therefore, a delta is the correct answer for a piece of land formed by a river depositing sediment into the sea.
19.
When a river divides for various distances into two or more channels, this is known as:
Correct Answer
D. Braiding
Explanation
Braiding refers to the phenomenon when a river splits into multiple channels, creating a network of interconnected streams. This occurs when there is a high sediment load in the river, causing the water to divide and flow around islands or other obstructions. The channels often weave and braid together, constantly changing their paths and creating a complex pattern. Braided rivers are commonly found in areas with steep gradients and abundant sediment supply, such as mountainous regions or glaciated areas.
20.
In the lower course mostly ___________ takes place.
Correct Answer
C. Deposition
Explanation
In the lower course of a river, deposition takes place. This is because the velocity of the river decreases as it reaches its mouth, causing it to lose energy and drop the sediment it has been carrying. Deposition refers to the process of sediment being deposited or laid down by the river, which can lead to the formation of deltas, floodplains, and other landforms.