River Definitions Flashcards
(26 cards)
Tributary
A stream or small river which flows into a larger one
Interlocking spurs
Projecting areas of high ground around which a river flows
Braiding
Where a river divides into two or more interconnecting channels
Delta
A large fan shaped area of deposits found at the mouth of a river
Floodplain
Flat land across which a river flows usually in its middle or lower course
Potholes
Holes in a river bedrock eroded by swirling stones
Meander
Pronounced bend on a river
Confluence
The point where two rivers join
Watershed
The boundary between two river basins
Oxbow Lake
A lake formed when a river bend is cut off
Levées
Natural embankments on river banks deposited when the river floods
Erosion
The process which occurs on the outside of a meander
Load
All the material carried by a river
Estuary
A wide river mouth ( known as a firth on Scotland )
Source
The point at which a river begins
Drainage basin
The area drained by a river and its tributaries
Deposition
The process which occurs on the inside of a meander
V-shaped
The profile of a valley eroded by a river
Alluvium
Another name for silt - spread by the river over its floodplain
Suspension
Fine light mineral is carried along the water
Saltation
Small pebbles and stones are bounced along the river bed
Traction
Large boulders and rocks are rolled along the river bed
What are the upper course characteristics and features
Characteristics
- steep / v shaped valley
- narrow / shallow channel
- high bed load
Features
- v shaped valley
- interlocking spurs
- waterfalls
- gorges
What are the middle course characteristics and features
Characteristics
- open / gentle sloping valley with floodplain
- wider / deeper channel
- more suspended sediment
Features
- meanders
- river cliffs
- slip of slopes
