Which of the following features is associated with river capture?

1. Analyze the question The question asks which feature is linked to river capture (also called stream piracy).

2. Explain the concept River capture happens when one river, usually with stronger erosive power (a steeper gradient or more rainfall), erodes headward (backward) until it breaks into the valley of a neighbouring river. It then diverts that river's upper course into its own channel.

Features that result from river capture include:

• Elbow of capture: a sharp bend where the captured river turns abruptly.
• Misfit (underfit) stream: the beheaded river is now too small for its valley.
• Wind gap: a dry, abandoned valley section (a "gap") where the river used to flow before it was diverted.
• Beheaded river: the lower part of the captured river, which has lost its source.

3. Solution: check each option

• A. Delta: formed by deposition where a river meets a sea or lake. It has nothing to do with capture.
• B. Wind gap: a dry valley left high up after the river was diverted. This is a direct result of river capture.
• C. Meander: a bend in the river's middle or lower course, caused by lateral erosion and deposition. It is not related to capture.
• D. Levee: a raised bank built by deposition during floods. It is not related to capture.

4. Answer The correct option is B. Wind gap.

5. Exam tip Remember: "Capture leaves a Gap." When you see river capture, think of the elbow of capture, wind gap, misfit stream and beheaded river. Delta, meander and levee belong to normal river deposition and erosion, not capture.