Rivers Flashcards
(16 cards)
Delta
A low lying area of alluvium that forms an extension of land at the mouth of a river
Distributary
A branch of a river that does not return to the main stream after leaving it
Water shed
The edge of highland surrounding a drainage basin. It marks the boundary between two drainage basins
V-shaped valley
Are found in the upper course where the river channel is narrow and fast flowing. This material is transported downstream
Meander
A bend or curve in the river channel
Interlocking spurs
A series of ridges of higher ground that protruded into alternate sides of a river valley.
River levee
Is natural embankment which parallels the course of the river
Energy level of a river
Energy levels usually higher near a river’s source, when it’s course is steep and it’s valley narrow
River source
The beginning or start of a river
River cliff
A steeply sloping bank formed by the lateral erosion on the outside of a river bed where the current is fastest
Tributary
A stream or smaller river which joins a longer stream or river
Estuary
The tidal mouth of a river, where the tide meets the stream
Confluence point
The point at which the rivers or streams join
Where does deposition of a river load occur?
River deposition usually occurs on the inside bends of meanders. Here the force of the river is weakest and any sediment here is dumped
Velocity of a river
The speed of the flow of the river
Riparian land
The interface between land and a river or stream
