Rivers Key Words Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is the definition of a river?
A river is a large, flowing body of water that usually empties into a sea or ocean.
True or False: Rivers only flow in one direction.
True
Fill in the blank: The point where a river begins is called the _____?
source
What is the term for the land area that drains into a river?
watershed
What is the name of the place where a river meets the sea?
estuary
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a feature of a river’s upper course? A) Meanders B) V-shaped valleys C) Floodplains
B) V-shaped valleys
What is erosion in the context of rivers?
Erosion is the process by which soil and rock are removed from the Earth’s surface by water flow.
True or False: Meanders are a feature of the river’s middle and lower course.
True
What is the term for the material carried by a river?
sediment
Fill in the blank: When a river overflows its banks, it causes _____?
flooding
What is the difference between a river and a stream?
A river is larger and has a greater flow than a stream.
True or False: The mouth of a river is typically wider than its source.
True
What is the term for a small river that flows into a larger river?
tributary
Fill in the blank: The area of land that is repeatedly flooded by a river is called a _____?
floodplain
What is the primary force that drives river flow?
gravity
What is the term for the natural boundary between two watersheds?
watershed divide
True or False: Rivers can change their course over time due to erosion and sediment deposition.
True
What is the name of the largest river in the UK?
River Severn
What is the term for the flow of water over the surface of the ground, often after heavy rainfall?
surface runoff
Multiple Choice: Which feature is a result of river erosion? A) Waterfall B) Delta C) Floodplain
A) Waterfall
What is the definition of a confluence?
A confluence is the point where two or more bodies of water meet and flow together.
