List three important things that should be present for water to infiltrate into the soil. (3 × 2 = 6)
Describe how groundwater supplies are replenished (filled up). (1 × 2 = 2)
Why is it important to manage (look after) groundwater? (1 × 2 = 2) [10]
In the exam, you may be given a diagram and asked to identify which aspect or factor has affected the runoff or infiltration.
Answers to activity 2.1
Porous rock, time for water to infiltrate (steepness of the slope), more vegetation (6)
Groundwater supplies are replenished by precipitation. (2)
South Africa has a shortage of water. To ensure we have a sustainable supply of water. (2) [10]
Activity 2.2 Refer to drainage basins A and B in Figure 2.2.2C and the flow hydrograph showing line graphs D and E after a period of rainfall, to answer the following questions.
The rivers in drainage basin A flow all year round. What type of river would this be classified as? (1 × 2 = 2)
Graph D in the flow hydrograph shows the runoff of drainage basin A after a period of rain.
Define the term ‘lag time’. (1 × 2 = 2)
How would the lag time change if massive deforestation were to occur in drainage basin A where D was recorded? (1 × 2 = 2)
Justify your answer in question b). (2 × 2 = 4)
Name another factor which could occur and have the same impact on the lag time as mentioned in question b). (1 × 2 = 2)
State the drainage density of drainage basin B. (1 × 2 = 2)
Describe THREE possible causes for the drainage density found in drainage basin B. (3 × 2 = 6) [20]
Answers to activity 2.2
Permanent river (2)
The difference in time between when it rains and when the peak flow discharge occurs. (2)
Lag time will be shorter (2)
There is less vegetation, so there is more runoff (4)
Steep slope/Heavy rainfall/Lots of rain (any 1)(2)
High drainage density (2)
Heavy rainfall causing more runoff Steep slopes causing more runoff Very little vegetation causing more runoff Lots of rain so the ground cannot hold any more water causing more runoff (any 3)(6) [20]
Complete activity 2.2 to practise the concepts you have learnt so far in this chapter.
Activity 2.3 Identify and briefly describe the drainage patterns in Figure 2.2.3G below. (3 × 4 = 12) [12]
Answers to activity 2.3
Dendritic: Looks like the branches of a tree with tributaries joining the main river at acute angles. (4)
Trellis: Parallel streams with short tributaries joining at right angles (90°). (4)
Radial: Streams flow outwards from one raised central point (dome or volcano). (4) [12]
Activity 2.4
Draw a longitudinal profile of a river (from source to mouth) and show the upper, middle and lower courses. (1 × 4 = 4)
List two features of the upper course of a river. (2 × 2 = 4)
Describe a river in its lower course. (2 × 2 = 4)
Describe one difference between the river channel in the upper course and the lower course. (2 × 2 = 4) [16]
Wide flat floodplain Wide valley Very wide channel Ox-bow lakes (any 2) (4)
Narrow channel in the upper course Wide channel in the lower course (4) [16]
Activity 2.5 Figure 2.2.5K (right) shows a plan view of an area before river capture has occurred. Redraw the rivers after river capture has occurred. On the diagram you have drawn, label the resultant features of river capture. [6]
South Africa is not a water rich country.
Activity 2.6 Use the topographical map of Nelspruit 2530BD at the back of this study guide to answer the following questions.
The contour interval of this topographical map is...