Which word describes the process of erosion when stones collide with each other as they move downstream? Shade one circle only - AQA - GCSE Geography - Question 4 - 2023 - Paper 1

Rivers can transport material through suspension, where fine particles are carried within the water column.

From the figure, the approximate area covered with salt marsh is B. 0.4 km².

1. Brackish Water: Estuaries are characterized by a mix of freshwater from rivers and salty seawater. This mixture creates brackish water, supporting diverse ecosystems.
2. Transitional Zone: Estuaries serve as a transition between river environments and marine environments, providing crucial habitats for various species during different life stages.

Physical factors influencing flood risk include:

• Precipitation: Intense rainfall can lead to rapid runoff, increasing river discharge and flood risk.
• Topography: Steep slopes can accelerate runoff, while flat plains may retain water, affecting flood dynamics.
• Soil Saturation: Saturated soils from previous rainfall reduce infiltration capacity, increasing surface runoff.
• Vegetation: Areas with dense vegetation slow runoff and provide interception, potentially decreasing flood risk.

Flood management schemes can have several issues, including:

• Displacement of Wildlife: While providing protection for human settlements, flood management can disrupt local habitats, affecting biodiversity and creating ecological imbalances.
• Increased Flood Risk Downstream: Interventions like damming can redirect water flow, potentially increasing flood risk in downstream areas.
• Economic Costs: Building and maintaining flood management infrastructure can be costly, diverting funds from other critical public services.
• Social Impacts: Local communities may resist changes to their environment, leading to conflicts between development projects and community interests. The balance between man-made solutions and natural floodplain restoration is crucial.