Question

What are the key characteristics of the lower course of a river?

1. The river meanders slowly across plains with high velocity.
2. The river loses much of its velocity and its ability to carry heavy sediment.
3. Deposition of sand and silt occurs, forming features like sandbanks.
4. The river builds up large flat plains by spreading alluvium.

• A. All
• B. ii, iii, iv
• C. iii only
• D. iv only

Answer 1

Answer:

B. ii, iii, iv

THE LOWER COURSE

• The lower course of the river occurs in the plains, across which it meanders or zigzags slowly.

• The river here loses much of its velocity and thus much of its ability to carry heavier sand and silt in suspension.

• The deposits part of its silt load as sand banks or shingle beaches and builds up large flat plains by spreading alluvium over a wide flood plain or delta.