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 transport material primarily through a process known as 'suspension'. This involves the movement of fine particles that are held within the water, allowing them to be carried downstream.

The approximate area covered with salt marsh in grid square 0495 is A: 0.2 km², based on a visual estimation of the area represented in the figure.

1. Estuaries often have a mix of fresh and saltwater, as they serve as the point where rivers meet the sea, creating a unique brackish habitat.
2. They typically feature diverse ecosystems that provide critical habitats for various species, including fish and birds, influenced by tidal movements.

Physical factors play a significant role in influencing flood risk, including:

• Precipitation: Intense and prolonged rainfall can saturate the ground, leading to surface runoff and increased river discharge.
• Topography: The relief of the area can direct the flow of water. Steeper slopes increase runoff speed, raising the likelihood of floods in lower-lying areas.
• Soil Type: Some soils absorb water better than others. Clay soils, for instance, retain water and can increase flood risk compared to sandy soils, which allow for better drainage.

Flood management schemes can generate several issues, including:

• Environmental Impact: While flood defenses may protect human settlements, they can also disrupt local ecosystems and wildlife habitats, leading to biodiversity loss. Construction and maintenance of these structures may alter the landscape significantly.

• Economic Costs: The costs associated with building and maintaining flood defenses can be substantial. Communities may divert funds from other critical areas such as education and healthcare.

• Reliance on Engineering Solutions: Communities may become overly dependent on engineered solutions, leading to insufficient focus on natural flood management strategies like afforestation or wetland restoration, which could provide more sustainable solutions in the long run.

• Social Effects: Restructuring landscapes for flood management can displace local communities or negatively affect their livelihoods, especially in areas reliant on agriculture or tourism.