Question detail
What does the long profile of a river represent?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Section C: Physical landscapes in the UK
Question
- A. The elevation of the river from source to mouth
- B. The width of the river at various points
- C. The depth of the river at different locations
- D. The sediment composition along the river
Answer
The correct answer is The elevation of the river from source to mouth.
Explanation
The correct option is The elevation of the river from source to mouth. The elevation of the river from source to mouth is correct because it directly matches the approved learning objective to describe the long profile and changing cross profile of a river and its valley. This belongs to River landscapes in the UK (optional route) within Section C: Physical landscapes in the UK, so the answer must stay focused on the geographical process, evidence, place, or impact named by the curriculum. The other options are weaker because they move away from River landscapes in the UK (optional route), reverse the geographical relationship, or make a broader claim than the objective supports.
Common mistake
Misidentifying river cross‑profile changes
Students often think that a river’s cross‑profile only changes where the river widens, ignoring the development of a narrow, V‑shaped valley in the upper reaches and a wider, U‑shaped valley in the lower reaches.
Explain that the upper reaches of a river have a narrow, V‑shaped valley with steep sides and a narrow bed, while the lower reaches have a wider, U‑shaped valley with a broader bed and gentler slopes, reflecting the change in gradient and sediment load along the long profile.
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