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Human Interaction Describe and explain how humans attempt to control one of the following surface processes: - River processes - Coastal processes - Mass movement. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C - 2014
Question C
Human Interaction Describe and explain how humans attempt to control one of the following surface processes: - River processes - Coastal processes - Mass movement.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Human Interaction Describe and explain how humans attempt to control one of the following surface processes: - River processes - Coastal processes - Mass movement. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C - 2014
Step 1
River processes
Answer
To control river processes, humans employ various strategies such as building dams, levees, and channels. Dams are constructed to regulate water flow and store water for agriculture or hydroelectric power. This control minimizes flooding and helps to manage water supplies. Levees, on the other hand, are embankments built alongside rivers to prevent overflow during heavy rains. They protect surrounding areas from flooding but can also lead to increased pressure on the river system.
Furthermore, channelization alters the river's natural course to enhance drainage and reduce flood risk. While these measures can protect human settlements and agricultural lands, they also disrupt ecosystems and can lead to sediment transfer issues.
Step 2
Coastal processes
Answer
Human intervention in coastal processes primarily involves the construction of sea walls, jetties, and breakwaters. Sea walls protect shorelines from erosion caused by waves and storm surges. However, they can reflect wave energy, increasing erosion downstream.
Jetties are structures built at the entrance of harbors to stabilize channels and prevent sedimentation. Breakwaters, similarly constructed offshore, absorb wave energy, creating calmer waters for harbors but can also lead to sediment accumulation behind them, resulting in changing shorelines. Each of these methods aims to protect coastal communities but may have unforeseen ecological impacts.
Step 3
Mass movement
Answer
To mitigate mass movement, or landslides, engineers often create drainage channels to divert water away from unstable slopes, reducing the risk of soil saturation and slide occurrences. Additionally, retaining walls and terracing are constructed to stabilize slopes and reduce gravitational pull.
In some cases, reforestation is employed as a natural means of strengthening soil with root systems, which can help prevent landslides. While these interventions can be effective, they require continuous monitoring and maintenance to ensure long-term efficacy and safety.