continuous rainfall that lasts for longer than expected

the physical shape of the land in an area, including its height and steepness

the physical structure of an area and what rocks and minerals exist there

the complete removal of trees from an area

the increase in the proportion of people living in towns and cities rather than the countryside

The causes of flooding

Geography

The hydrological cycle

Drainage basins

River processes

The upper course of a river

The middle and lower course of a river

Fieldwork: Planning a river enquiry and collecting data

Fieldwork: Presenting river data

Fieldwork: Analysing, concluding and evaluating river data

The effects of flooding

GIS: Analysing flood risk

River management

Planning river management

This unit teaches pupils about how river processes shape the land and affect our lives. Pupils will use fieldwork to investigate downstream changes in rivers and use GIS to analyse flood risk across geographical space. Pupils will also evaluate different methods of flood management.

Rivers: How do rivers shape the land?

Water moves slowly and soaks into the ground

Water runs quickly over the surface into rivers

How does steep relief contribute to flooding?

Less interception means more surface runoff

How does deforestation increase flood risk?

Flooding is only caused by physical factors like heavy rainfall.

What is the process where water changes from a liquid to a gas?

Which river process involves wearing away the riverbed and banks?

What is it called when the river drops material it is carrying?

Which landform is found in the upper course of a river?

What type of erosion involves rocks grinding against the riverbed?

In which part of a river do you find wide, shallow meanders?

The causes of flooding

Lesson outcome