Rivers: past paper questions
Real questions on rivers
The newest 20 of 147 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0460/22 · February/March 2026 · Q3a[3]
Figure 3.1 (Insert) shows a photograph of river flooding in the UK. Use Figure 3.1 only to describe three impacts of the flooding shown.
See it on the paper → - 0460/22 · February/March 2026 · Q3b(i)[1]
What is the peak discharge of the river? eucususesstasatatststsesenenenes cumecs (m?/s)
See it on the paper → - 0460/22 · February/March 2026 · Q3b(ii)[1]
(ii) Calculate the lag time. .......... hours [1]
See it on the paper → - 0460/22 · February/March 2026 · Q3b(iii)[2]
The rising limb is very steep, which may result in flooding. Tick (“) two factors which cause flooding. tick factor (Vv) a high drainage density a large drainage basin a thick forest cover an impermeable bedrock gentle slopes
See it on the paper → - 0460/22 · February/March 2026 · Q3b(iv)[1]
Large amounts of surface run-off increase a river’s flow. State one other way water can reach the river.
See it on the paper → - 0460/11 · May/June 2025 · Q6a(ii)[2]
Suggest two problems for households which rely on water from rivers.
See it on the paper → - 0460/12 · May/June 2025 · Q2b(ii)[5]
Name the settlement pattern in area Z shown in Fig. 2.2. Suggest reasons why this settlement pattern may have developed.
See it on the paper → - 0460/13 · May/June 2025 · Q3a(i)[1]
Name the input to the system labelled W.
See it on the paper → - 0460/13 · May/June 2025 · Q3a(ii)[2]
Identify two outputs from the drainage basin which are labelled in Fig. 3.1.
See it on the paper → - 0460/13 · May/June 2025 · Q3a(iii)[3]
Name the processes which are labelled X, Y and Z in Fig. 3.1. X = Y =
See it on the paper → - 0460/13 · May/June 2025 · Q3a(iv)[4]
Give reasons why the amount of surface runoff may vary from place to place and from time to time.
See it on the paper → - 0460/13 · May/June 2025 · Q3b(i)[3]
Suggest three reasons why the river shown in Fig. 3.2 may flood. (i)
See it on the paper → - 0460/13 · May/June 2025 · Q3b(ii)[5]
Describe the impacts of flooding for people who live close to rivers.
See it on the paper → - 0460/13 · May/June 2025 · Q3c[7]
For a named river you have studied, explain how the problems caused by flooding have been reduced. Name of river
See it on the paper → - 0460/13 · May/June 2025 · Q6b(i)[3]
Suggest three causes of the river pollution shown in Fig. 6.2.
See it on the paper → - 0460/13 · May/June 2025 · Q6b(ii)[5]
Explain how river pollution, such as that shown in Fig. 6.2, may cause problems for people living nearby and for the local natural environment.
See it on the paper → - 0460/21 · May/June 2025 · Q5b(i)[3]
Using Fig. 5.2, explain why the Ahr valley experienced severe flooding.
See it on the paper → - 0460/21 · May/June 2025 · Q5b(ii)[2]
Suggest two ways that flooding on the river Ahr can be managed.
See it on the paper → - 0460/23 · May/June 2025 · Q3a(i)[4]
Complete the labels on Fig. 3.1 to identify the four features of the waterfall. (i) hard rock river soft rock
See it on the paper → - 0460/23 · May/June 2025 · Q3a(ii)[1]
Suggest how the waterfall shown in Fig. 3.1 may change in the future.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Many candidates described three different impacts, using direct observation from Figure 3.1. • There was a mix of impacts both on the physical and human environment. • Some candidates suggested impacts which were not directly seen but could be derived from the photograph such as the water supply being contaminated as a result of the colour of the water. Limited responses...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0460/22 Q3(a) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Many candidates were able to calculate the storm discharge from the storm hydrograph, Figure 3.2, within the given tolerance. Limited responses • Some candidates need to ensure greater accuracy, for instance by using a ruler to help read off the value from the Y axis, since they tended to underestimate the storm discharge, such as between 40 and 46 cumecs.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0460/22 Q3(b)(i) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Most candidates calculated the lag time accurately, a concept with which they seemed familiar. Limited responses • Some candidates need to be more accurate when making the calculation. • Some incorrect responses were 8, 11 and 12 hours.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0460/22 Q3(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
Past papers, syllabus and examiner reports © UCLES (Cambridge University Press & Assessment). Questions are matched to topics from the official syllabus. AssessPro is independent and not endorsed by Cambridge.