(a) Describe the three stages of development of a river along its course.
(b) Highlight two ways in which rivers are important to man.
(b) Highlight two ways in which rivers are important to man.
Take Free Practice Test On 2026 JAMB UTME, Post UTME, WAEC SSCE, GCE, NECO SSCE
Correct Answer: Option n
Explanation:
(a) Description of Stages of Development of a River
Upper course / Torrent stage / Youthful stage
— This section or stage of the river occurs near the source of mountain area.
— The river flows swiftly as it descends the slope of the mountain.
— The river is very active in vertical corrosion
— Down cutting of the river bed occurs more rapidly than lateral erosion The main features produced include river capture, narrow steep-sided (v-shaped), valleys, rapids and waterfalls, potholes, interlocking spurs gorges, plunge pools, etc.
Middle Course / Valley Course / Maturity Stage
— It has a gentle gradient
— It widens its valley
— lateral erosion becomes dominant
—The velocity is reduced due to the reduction of gradient.
— Transportation of the river's loads is more in the form of suspension and solution.
— Deposition begins to take place at valley sides and floor.
— The main features produced are wide floodplain, levees, delta, braided stream, -Ox-bow lakes, etc.
(b)Importance of Rivers to Man
— Medium of transportation
— Generation of hydro - electric power (H. E. P)
— Water for irrigation purposes
— Water for domestic purposes e.g Washing, cooking, drinking, etc.
— Water for industrial uses
— Fertile soil for agricultural activities
— Used as political boundaries for towns, states nations
— Source of fish
— For recreation
— Source of minerals e.g alluvial gold, diamond, etc.
(a) Description of Stages of Development of a River
Upper course / Torrent stage / Youthful stage
— This section or stage of the river occurs near the source of mountain area.
— The river flows swiftly as it descends the slope of the mountain.
— The river is very active in vertical corrosion
— Down cutting of the river bed occurs more rapidly than lateral erosion The main features produced include river capture, narrow steep-sided (v-shaped), valleys, rapids and waterfalls, potholes, interlocking spurs gorges, plunge pools, etc.
Middle Course / Valley Course / Maturity Stage
— It has a gentle gradient
— It widens its valley
— lateral erosion becomes dominant
—The velocity is reduced due to the reduction of gradient.
— Transportation of the river's loads is more in the form of suspension and solution.
— Deposition begins to take place at valley sides and floor.
— The main features produced are wide floodplain, levees, delta, braided stream, -Ox-bow lakes, etc.
(b)Importance of Rivers to Man
— Medium of transportation
— Generation of hydro - electric power (H. E. P)
— Water for irrigation purposes
— Water for domestic purposes e.g Washing, cooking, drinking, etc.
— Water for industrial uses
— Fertile soil for agricultural activities
— Used as political boundaries for towns, states nations
— Source of fish
— For recreation
— Source of minerals e.g alluvial gold, diamond, etc.