(a) With the aid of annotated diagram, describe the various stages of a river course
(b) Mention four ways in w rivers are of importance to man
Explanation
(a)(i) Upper Course: V-shaped valleys/narrow valleys, swift flowing river, vertical corrosion and river capture. Presence of cataracts, waterfalls, interlocking spurs, plunge pools and gorges
(ii) Middle Course: Wide V-shaped valleys, lateral corrosion and good for transportation. Presence of bluffs, river cliffs, meanders, terraces and some deposition take place
(iii) Lower Course: Lateral corrosion continues with deposition, meander, braiding and levee. Presence of flood plains, increase in volume of water, Ox-bow lakes, deferred confluence, delta and terraces.
(b) Importance of rivers to man:
(i) Transportation of goods and people
(ii) Generation of H. E. P
(iii) Water for domestic use
(iv) Water for industrial use
(v) Water for irrigation
(vi) Fishery
(vii) Sports
(viii) Tourism
(ix) Water for animal use
(x) Natural boundaries
(xi) Flood plains provide rich agricultural land.