Human activity impacts on surface processes - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 2C - 2019

Human activities such as urbanization, agriculture, and deforestation significantly affect river processes.

1. Urbanization: As cities expand, impervious surfaces like roads and buildings increase, leading to enhanced runoff. This can cause flooding and increased sediment transport in rivers. Urban areas also contribute to pollution through stormwater runoff containing oils, chemicals, and trash.

2. Agriculture: Agricultural activities contribute to soil erosion, which increases sediment load in rivers. The use of fertilizers and pesticides can lead to nutrient runoff, impacting water quality and aquatic ecosystems.

3. Deforestation: Logging and land clearing for agriculture reduce vegetation, leading to soil erosion and sedimentation in rivers. This disrupts natural river processes and habitats.

In addition to these activities, the construction of dams and levees alters natural water flow, which impacts sediment transport and aquatic life. Overall, human impacts on river processes are profound and multifaceted, affecting not only the rivers themselves but also the surrounding ecosystems.