River Dynamics Quiz

What happens to the channel width as a river flows downstream?

• It decreases

• It remains the same

• It increases

• It fluctuates

Answer explanation

As a river flows downstream, it typically erodes its banks and transports more sediment, leading to an increase in channel width. Therefore, the correct answer is that the channel width increases.

Which characteristic of a river increases due to more tributaries joining the main channel?

• Depth

• Discharge

• Load particle size

• Gradient

Answer explanation

The discharge of a river increases as more tributaries join the main channel, contributing additional water flow. This results in a higher volume of water moving downstream.

What happens to the size of sediment particles as they move downstream?

• They increase

• They remain the same

• They decrease

• They fluctuate

Answer explanation

As sediment particles move downstream, they are subjected to erosion and transport processes that break them down and sort them by size. This results in a decrease in the size of sediment particles, making 'They decrease' the correct answer.

Which process becomes more effective downstream due to increased discharge and velocity?

• Deposition

• Erosion

• Sedimentation

• Evaporation

Answer explanation

Erosion becomes more effective downstream as increased discharge and velocity enhance the river's ability to transport sediment and wear away the riverbed, leading to greater erosion compared to deposition or sedimentation.

What is the effect of smaller sediments replacing larger ones downstream?

• Increased friction

• Decreased velocity

• Increased channel roughness

• Reduced friction

Answer explanation

Smaller sediments create smoother surfaces, leading to reduced friction in the water flow. This allows for increased velocity of the water downstream, as there is less resistance from the sediment.

What type of landforms are typically found in the upper course of a river according to the Bradshaw Model?

• V-shaped valleys, waterfalls, and rapids

• Wider valleys and meanders

• Extensive floodplains and deltas

• Oxbow lakes and deltas

Answer explanation

In the upper course of a river, the landscape is characterized by steep gradients, leading to the formation of V-shaped valleys, waterfalls, and rapids due to the high energy and erosion processes present.

In the Bradshaw Model, what happens to stream order as tributaries join the main channel?

• Stream order increases

• Stream order decreases

• Stream order remains the same

• Stream order fluctuates

Answer explanation

In the Bradshaw Model, as tributaries join the main channel, the stream order increases. This is because the stream order is determined by the hierarchy of streams, and each tributary adds to the overall order of the main channel.

What is a characteristic of first-order streams in the Bradshaw Model?

• They have no tributaries

• They have many tributaries

• They form deltas

• They are the largest streams

Answer explanation

First-order streams are the smallest in the hierarchy and do not have any tributaries. This characteristic distinguishes them from larger streams, which typically have multiple tributaries feeding into them.

According to the video transcript, how is the UK physical landscape described?

• It changes very quickly in appearance

• It remains the same throughout

• It has no landform variety

• It is mostly flat

Answer explanation

The UK physical landscape is described as changing very quickly in appearance, indicating a dynamic environment with varied features, which contrasts with the other options that suggest stability or lack of variety.

Which river is being followed in the program?

• The Thames

• The Severn

• The Tees

• The Avon

Answer explanation

The program follows the Tees River, which is known for its scenic views and historical significance. The other rivers listed, while notable, are not the focus of the program.