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Select any one of the following surface processes: - Sea/marine action - River action - Glacial action - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 1 - 2006
Question 1
Select any one of the following surface processes: - Sea/marine action - River action - Glacial action. - Mass movement. Explain the formation of any two Irish lan... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Select any one of the following surface processes: - Sea/marine action - River action - Glacial action - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 1 - 2006
Step 1
River action
Answer
To explain the formation of two Irish landforms caused by river action, we can consider the formation of a V-shaped valley and a river delta.
V-shaped Valley Formation
- Erosion: Erosion by the river primarily occurs through hydraulic action, abrasion, and corrosion. As the river flows, it cuts downwards into the landscape, creating a V-shaped valley.
- Process: The constant flow of water erodes the riverbed and the surrounding sides, causing the sides of the valley to become steeper.
- Diagram: Insert a diagram showing a cross-section of a V-shaped valley, illustrating the erosional processes involved.
River Delta Formation
- Deposition: A river delta forms when a river reaches a standing body of water (like a lake or ocean) and begins to slow down, losing the energy necessary to carry sediment.
- Process: The sediments are deposited at the mouth of the river, creating fertile land. In Ireland, the River Shannon delta is a well-known example.
- Diagram: Insert a diagram showing the formation of a delta, indicating sediment layers and flow direction.
Step 2
Landform Explained
Answer
In both cases, the processes of erosion and deposition by the river are key to understanding how these landforms develop over time.
Erosion Process in V-shaped Valleys
The V-shaped valley formation demonstrates the power of flowing water to shape landscapes. Water not only erodes the valley floor but also attacks the valley sides, contributing to the characteristic shape.
Deposition Process in River Deltas
On the other hand, the delta showcases the transition from erosion to deposition. As rivers lose velocity at their mouths, they drop sediments that gradually build up, creating new landforms that benefit ecosystems and agriculture in the surrounding areas.