River channel processes and landforms: past paper questions
Real questions on river channel processes and landforms
The newest 20 of 131 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9696/11 · May/June 2026 · Q4a(i)[3]
Describe the process of transportation in a river channel.
See it on the paper → - 9696/11 · May/June 2026 · Q4a(ii)[4]
Explain the formation of a meander.
See it on the paper → - 9696/13 · May/June 2026 · Q4a(i)[4]
Define the fluvial terms ‘hydraulic action’ and ‘helicoidal flow’.
See it on the paper → - 9696/11 · October/November 2025 · Q4b[8]
Describe and explain the formation of deltas.
See it on the paper → - 9696/12 · October/November 2025 · Q4a(i)[3]
Describe the process of traction within river channels.
See it on the paper → - 9696/12 · October/November 2025 · Q4a(ii)[4]
Explain how point bars are formed in river channels.
See it on the paper → - 9696/12 · October/November 2025 · Q4c[15]
‘River velocity is the main factor influencing the formation of braided river channels.’ With the aid of examples, how far do you agree with this statement? Atmosphere and weather
See it on the paper → - 9696/13 · October/November 2025 · Q4a(ii)[4]
Explain how river levées are formed.
See it on the paper → - 9696/11 · May/June 2025 · Q4a(i)[4]
Define the fluvial terms ‘laminar flow’ and ‘thalweg’.
See it on the paper → - 9696/11 · May/June 2025 · Q4a(ii)[3]
Describe the conditions required for braiding to occur in a river channel.
See it on the paper → - 9696/11 · May/June 2025 · Q4b[8]
With reference to the Hjulström curve, explain how rates of deposition and erosion vary in a river channel.
See it on the paper → - 9696/12 · May/June 2025 · Q4a(i)[4]
Define the fluvial terms ‘saltation’ and ‘hydraulic action’.
See it on the paper → - 9696/12 · May/June 2025 · Q4b[8]
Describe the formation of waterfalls and oxbow lakes.
See it on the paper → - 9696/13 · May/June 2025 · Q1a[1]
Name the landform labelled X in Fig. 1.2.
See it on the paper → - 9696/13 · May/June 2025 · Q1b[4]
Describe the changes to the river between Fig. 1.1 and Fig. 1.2.
See it on the paper → - 9696/13 · May/June 2025 · Q1c[5]
Using Fig. 1.2, suggest how the course and features of the river channel may change over time. Atmosphere and weather
See it on the paper → - 9696/13 · May/June 2025 · Q4b[8]
Explain the formation of waterfalls and gorges.
See it on the paper → - 9696/11 · October/November 2024 · Q1a[1]
Name the type of channel within area A shown in Fig. 1.1.
See it on the paper → - 9696/11 · October/November 2024 · Q1b[4]
Compare the extent and intensity of flooding of the Mississippi River and Ohio River shown in Fig. 1.1.
See it on the paper → - 9696/11 · October/November 2024 · Q4b[8]
Describe and explain the formation of gorges.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
The process of ‘traction’ seemed to be understood by many, but some candidates confused ‘abrasion’ with ‘attrition’.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9696/11 Q4(a)(i) (Cambridge)
Many candidates obviously understood the process of suspension but were not very precise in relating this to finer grained sediment.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9696/11 Q4(a)(ii) (Cambridge)
Levées were generally understood, and there were attempts to illustrate answers with appropriate diagrams. However, very few candidates were able to explain the formation of river bluffs.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9696/11 Q4(b) (Cambridge)
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