Fluvial Processes and Landforms

Question 1

Fluvial Erosion

Answer 1

Process which weathered sediment is picked up for transport, and eventually deposited

Question 2

Abrasion

Answer 2

Rock particles grinding and carving the stream bed like liquid sandpaper

Question 3

Aggradation

Answer 3

When the load exceeds a stream’s capacity and sediment accumulates and the stream channel builds up throug deposition

Question 4

Alluvium

Answer 4

The general term for the clay, silt, sand, gravel, and mineral fragments deposited by running water

Question 5

Braided stream

Answer 5

Maze of interconnected channels due to excess sediment

-commonly occur in glacial environments which have abundent sediment & steep channel slopes

Question 6

Meandering Stream

Answer 6

Where channel slope is gradual, streams develop a snakelike form, weaving across the landscape

Question 7

Stream Gradient

Answer 7

Degree of inclination, decline in elevation from headwaters to its mouth

Question 8

Graded stream

Answer 8

Occurs when channels adjust their slope, size, and shape so that a stream has just enough energy to transport its sediment load

Question 9

Delta

Answer 9

The level or nearly level depositional plain that forms at the mouth of a river