A - River Discharge Flashcards
What does discharge refer to in a river?
Volume of water passing a point per unit of time.
How is discharge typically measured?
In cubic meters per second (cumecs).
What does Bradshaw’s model illustrate?
Changes to channel characteristics downstream in a river.
According to Bradshaw’s model, what increases downstream?
Water velocity and discharge.
What decreases downstream according to Bradshaw’s model?
Channel bed roughness and load particle size.
Define abrasion in the context of river erosion.
Wearing away of the bed and bank by the load carried by a river.
What is attrition?
Wearing away of the river’s load, creating smaller, rounder particles.
What is hydraulic action in river processes?
Force of air and water on river sides and cracks.
Define solution (or corrosion) in river erosion.
Removal of chemical ions, causing rocks to dissolve.
How does load affect erosion in rivers?
Heavier and sharper loads increase erosion potential.
What effect do velocity and discharge have on erosion?
Greater velocity and discharge increase erosion.
How does gradient impact erosion?
Higher gradient increases erosion rate.
How does geology affect erosion in rivers?
Soft, unconsolidated rocks are easily eroded.
How does pH affect river erosion?
More acidic water increases rates of solution.
What human impacts increase erosion in rivers?
Deforestation, dams, and bridges.
