Examine, with reference to example(s) that you have studied, how human activities have impacted on either river, coastal or mass movement processes. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C. - 2012
Question C.
Examine, with reference to example(s) that you have studied, how human activities have impacted on either river, coastal or mass movement processes.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Examine, with reference to example(s) that you have studied, how human activities have impacted on either river, coastal or mass movement processes. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C. - 2012
Step 1
Identify Human Activities
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Answer
One significant human activity that impacts river processes is urbanization. Expanding cities often lead to increased surface runoff due to impervious surfaces like roads and buildings. This runoff can cause a range of issues, including increased flooding and soil erosion.
Step 2
Impact of Urbanization
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Urbanization can exacerbate sediment transport within rivers, leading to changes in river morphology. Additionally, the alteration of natural landscapes disrupts ecosystems and can affect local biodiversity.
Step 3
Named Example
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Answer
An example is the River Thames in London, where urban development has led to significant changes in the river's flow and sediment patterns.
Step 4
Examination of Further Impacts
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Answer
In more detail, the River Thames has experienced increased flooding events due to surface runoff and changes in land use, impacting both residents and the river ecosystem.
Step 5
Other Human Activities
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Answer
Agricultural practices also affect river processes, as farming can lead to runoff of fertilizers and pesticides into adjacent waterways.
Step 6
Impact of Agriculture
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This runoff increases nutrient levels in rivers, causing eutrophication, which negatively affects water quality and aquatic life.
Step 7
Named Example
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Answer
The Mississippi River is a prime example, where agricultural runoff has led to significant dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico due to eutrophication.
Step 8
Examination of Agricultural Impacts
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Answer
The impacts of agriculture are evident in the changes to nutrient cycles and the health of aquatic ecosystems, highlighting the interconnection between land use practices and water systems.
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