Question Constellation Sign up for free AQA · GCSE · Geography · Higher
River levee formation
Explain how river levées are formed.
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Marking points
- 1 Explains a sequence of levee formation.
- 2 Includes deposition/process explanation.
- 3 Uses accurate river terminology where possible.
Full-mark answer
Levees form when a river floods and water spills over its banks onto the floodplain. The floodwater loses velocity because of friction with the land, so it deposits sediment. The heaviest material, such as sand and gravel, is deposited first close to the river channel, while finer silt is carried farther away. After repeated floods, this sediment builds up into raised embankments on both sides of the river.
Why this answer loses marks
Levees form when sediment is left by a river.
This is too vague; the sequence needs flooding, slowing, sorted deposition and repeated build-up.