Fluvial Adjustment Examine how the landscape is changed when a river adjusts to a change in base level, with reference to example(s) that you have studied. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 38 - 2021

One example of a river undergoing adjustment due to a change in base level is the River Thames in the United Kingdom. Historical changes in sea level have influenced its gradient and flow dynamics, leading to significant landscape alterations.

The rejuvenation process often results in increased vertical erosion as the river cuts downwards into its bed. As the river gains energy, it can create deep gorges and ravines, particularly in areas with resistant rock. Additionally, lateral erosion may reshape the banks, leading to wider valleys and altered floodplains.

Over time, as the river establishes a new equilibrium, sediment deposition patterns may change, causing new landforms such as point bars, and altered delta formations in areas where the river meets larger bodies of water. This dynamic process ultimately reshapes the surrounding landscape significantly.

A labelled diagram can illustrate the processes of river rejuvenation and the resulting landscape changes. It should include features such as entrenched meanders and examples of altered sediment deposition. The diagram must be clear and provide additional relevant information that complements the written account.