3. Geomorphology (rivers and coasts) Flashcards
Abrasion
Abrasion - this is when pebbles grind along a rock platform or cliff base much like sandpaper. Over time the rock becomes smooth.
Attrition
When rocks that the river is carrying knock against each other. They break apart to become smaller and more rounded.
Braiding
Braided rivers are a type of river that form a network of many branches within a channel.
Confluence
The point where two rivers (including tributaries) meet
Corrosion
the process of rocks and pebbles carried by the waves wearing away rocks as they are thrown against cliffs.
Drainage Basin
The area of land drained by a river and its tributaries is called
the drainage of river basin
Erosion
The wearing away of material. Erosion can
occur by hydraulic action, abrasion, attrition or
corrosion/solution.
Fault
A line of weakness in rock
Floodplain
the flat area either side of a river which os regularly flooded
Gorge
A deep, steep-sided valley
Hydraulic Action
This is the sheer power of the water as it smashes against the river banks. Air becomes trapped in the cracks of the river bank and bed, and causes the rock to break apart.
Impermeable
not allowing water to pass through
Infiltration
The downward movement of water from the surface into the soil
Interception
This refers to the storage of water on leaf and plant stems
Lower Course
The final stage of the river, usually where it meets the sea.
Middle Course
The section of the river which comes between the upper and lower course.
Mouth
the point where a river enters a sea, ocean, or lake
Oxbow lake
the cut-off remnant of a meander found in the lower course of a river
Porous
A rock with minute air spaces between the minerals.
Permeable Rapids
Permeable rapids are areas in rivers or streams where water can permeate through porous rocks, affecting water flow and hydrological processes.
Plunge pool
a deep pool which is formed by erosion at the base of the waterfall