Physical features of rivers Flashcards
River
A channel of water that flows towards the sea.
Stream
A small river.
Spring
Water underground bubbles up to the surface.
Source
Where a river begins.
Valley
A u- or v-shaped piece of land which slopes downwards. It usually has a stream running through it.
Rivers that flow strongly, carve deep valleys & gorges into the land.
Gorge
A valley with very deep, steep sides.
Waterfall
When a river suddenly drops from a high level to a very low level.
Tributaries
Rivers that join a main river.
River system
The main river with all of its tributaries.
Catchment area/ drainage basin
The area of land where rain water runs into the river system.
River mouth
Where the river empties its water into the sea. The river mouth is usually very wide and it flows slowly over flat land.
Delta
A fan-shaped area where the river mouth separates into lots of small streams.
What is a river?
A channel of water that flows towards the sea.
What do we call a small river?
Stream.
What do we call it when water from underground bubbles up to the surface?
Spring.
In what direction do rivers flow?
Rivers always begin in high places and flow towards lower land.
What do we call the beginning of a river?
Source.
What do we call a u-shaped piece of land which slopes downwards?
Valley.
What do we call a valley with very deep, steep sides?
Gorge.
What do we call it when a river suddenly drops from a high level to a low level?
Waterfall.
What do we call rivers that join a main river?
Tributaries.
What do we call a main river with all of its tributaries?
River system.
What do we call the area of land where water runs into the river system?
Catchment area or drainage basin.
Where do rivers end?
Where they flow into the sea.
