Refer to the sketch below to answer QUESTIONS 2.4.1 to 2.4.5 - NSC Geography - Question 2 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 2
Refer to the sketch below to answer QUESTIONS 2.4.1 to 2.4.5.
2.4.1 Which river A (A) or B (B) has more erosive power?
2.4.2 Give ONE reason evident in the sketch ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Refer to the sketch below to answer QUESTIONS 2.4.1 to 2.4.5 - NSC Geography - Question 2 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
Which river A (A) or B (B) has more erosive power?
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
River A has more erosive power due to its steeper gradient, which increases the velocity of the water flow, allowing it to erode the riverbed and banks more effectively.
Step 2
Give ONE reason evident in the sketch to support your answer to QUESTION 2.4.1.
99%
104 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
The steep slope indicated in the sketch shows that River A has a higher erosive potential compared to River B, which is depicted as flowing on a gentler gradient.
Step 3
Identify features c and d.
96%
101 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Feature c is the 'Elbow of capture,' which indicates the point where the river changes course, while feature d is a 'Wind gap,' which represents a former river valley that is no longer in use.
Step 4
In a paragraph of approximately EIGHT lines, describe the changes that may occur before and after river capture.
98%
120 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Before river capture, two rivers may flow independently through their respective valleys. However, when one river erodes through a watershed and captures the flow of the other, significant changes occur. The captured river will experience a decrease in water flow, as its water is redirected to the capturing river. As a result, the capturing river may become wider and more powerful, potentially increasing its erosive capacity. The captured river may also become less active, leading to reduced deposition and altering the local ecosystem. Over time, the drainage basin will shrink as the flow is redirected, highlighting the geomorphological impact of river capture.