(a) Describe the three stages of development of a river along its course. (b) Highlight...

Explanation

(a) Description of Stages of Development of a River

Upper course / Torrent stage / Youthful stage

— This section or stage of the river occurs near the source of mountain area.

— The river flows swiftly as it descends the slope of the mountain.

— The river is very active in vertical corrosion

— Down cutting of the river bed occurs more rapidly than lateral erosion The main features produced include river capture, narrow steep-sided (v-shaped), valleys, rapids and waterfalls, potholes, interlocking spurs gorges, plunge pools, etc.

Middle Course / Valley Course / Maturity Stage

— It has a gentle gradient

— It widens its valley

— lateral erosion becomes dominant

—The velocity is reduced due to the reduction of gradient.

— Transportation of the river's loads is more in the form of suspension and solution.

— Deposition begins to take place at valley sides and floor.

— The main features produced are wide floodplain, levees, delta, braided stream, -Ox-bow lakes, etc.

(b)Importance of Rivers to Man

— Medium of transportation

— Generation of hydro - electric power (H. E. P)

— Water for irrigation purposes

— Water for domestic purposes e.g Washing, cooking, drinking, etc.

— Water for industrial uses

— Fertile soil for agricultural activities

— Used as political boundaries for towns, states nations

— Source of fish

— For recreation

— Source of minerals e.g alluvial gold, diamond, etc.