Rivers Flashcards
How can geology increase flood risk?
Click to View the Answer
Click to View the Question
Geology can increase the risk of flooding when:
- The upland bedrock is impermeable, such as slate, which means there is more surface run-off
- Soil in low lying areas is made up of clay. Because it is so compact it is difficult for infiltration to occur.
- Areas of permeable rock, such as limestone, become inundated with water leading to increased surface run-off
Find out more about human and physical causes of flooding.
How can geology increase flood risk?
What is traction?
Click to View the Answer
Click to View the Question
Large boulders and rocks are rolled along the river bed.
Find out more about how rivers transport material.
What is traction?
Why do discharge and velocity increase downstream?
Click to View the Answer
Click to View the Question
Discharge increases downstream because of additional water from tributaries. Velocity increases due to the additional water from tributaries and less water is in contact with the bed and banks so there is less friction.
Find out more about the long profile of a river.
Why do discharge and velocity increase downstream?
What is soft engineering?
Click to View the Answer
Click to View the Question
Soft engineering involves working with nature and adapting to a river and learning to live with it.
Find out more about soft engineering.
What is soft engineering?
What is saltation?
Click to View the Answer
Click to View the Question
Small pebbles and stones are bounced along the river bed.
Find out more about how rivers transport material.
What is saltation?