Geomorphology 2 Flashcards
(30 cards)
Describe stream patterns.
Stream patterns refer to the geometric arrangement of streams in a landscape, influenced by factors such as topography, geology, and hydrology.
Define stream orders.
Stream orders classify the hierarchy of streams based on their size and the number of tributaries they have, with first-order streams being the smallest.
Explain longitudinal profiles.
Longitudinal profiles illustrate the gradient of a stream from its source to its mouth, showing changes in elevation and slope.x
Explain cross profiles.
Cross profiles depict the shape of a stream channel at a specific point, illustrating features like width, depth, and bank slope.
Describe fluvial landforms.
Fluvial landforms are land features created by the action of rivers and streams, including valleys, deltas, and floodplains.
What is stream piracy?
Stream piracy occurs when one stream captures the flow of another, often due to erosion or changes in landscape.
Define rejuvenation in the context of rivers.
Rejuvenation refers to the process where a river increases its erosive power, often due to uplift of the land or a drop in base level.
Describe radial stream patterns.
Radial stream patterns originate from the highest central point, such as a butte or conical hill.
Explain dendritic stream patterns.
Dendritic stream patterns resemble a tree structure and typically form in areas with uniform rock types.
Define trellis stream patterns.
Trellis stream patterns occur in regions with alternating layers of hard and soft rock, resulting in parallel streams.
How do rectangular stream patterns behave?
Rectangular stream patterns are characterized by 90-degree bends and tributaries, often influenced by joints and faults in the rock.
What are the key features of stream patterns?
Key features include their shapes, the geological structures they form around, and their flow characteristics.
Explain the significance of understanding stream patterns.
Understanding stream patterns helps in geological mapping, water resource management, and predicting erosion and sediment transport.
Describe the dendritic pattern in geography.
A dendritic pattern is a type of drainage pattern that resembles the branches of a tree, where streams and rivers diverge from a central trunk.
Explain how a dendritic pattern forms.
A dendritic pattern forms in areas where the underlying rock is uniform and the landscape is relatively flat, allowing water to flow freely and create branching waterways.
Define the term ‘dendritic pattern’.
A dendritic pattern refers to a network of streams and rivers that branch out in a tree-like structure, typically found in regions with gentle slopes.
How does a dendritic pattern differ from other drainage patterns?
A dendritic pattern differs from other drainage patterns, such as radial or rectangular patterns, by its tree-like branching structure, which is influenced by the topography and geology of the area.
What visual characteristics define a dendritic pattern on a map?
On a map, a dendritic pattern is characterized by numerous small streams that branch out from larger ones, resembling the structure of tree branches.
Do dendritic patterns indicate specific geological conditions?
Yes, dendritic patterns typically indicate uniform geological conditions and gentle slopes, which facilitate the free flow of water.
Explain the significance of recognizing a dendritic pattern in environmental studies.
Recognizing a dendritic pattern is significant in environmental studies as it helps in understanding water drainage, erosion processes, and the overall hydrology of an area.
Describe the trellis pattern in drainage systems.
A trellis pattern is characterized by a main stream that is joined by tributaries at right angles, resembling a garden trellis. This pattern typically forms in areas with alternating bands of resistant and less resistant rock.
Explain the significance of contour lines in the trellis pattern map.
Contour lines represent elevation and the shape of the terrain. In a trellis pattern, these lines help visualize the steep slopes and valleys that influence the direction of water flow.
Do trellis patterns indicate specific geological conditions?
Yes, trellis patterns often indicate geological conditions where there are alternating layers of hard and soft rock, leading to differential erosion.
How do tributaries behave in a trellis drainage pattern?
Tributaries in a trellis drainage pattern typically join the main river at acute angles, reflecting the underlying geological structure.